HUNKER DOWN
Two Brown Hyenas Wait as a Leopard Feasts Overhead.
The late-morning sun blazed down on the African bushveld, its heat seeping into every inch of the dry landscape. Under the broad canopy of a marula tree, two brown hyenas lingered in quiet anticipation. Their eyes scanned the clearing, ever alert, while their ears flicked at distant sounds. Above them, a leopard reclined on a wide branch, his sleek muscles coiled as he gnawed steadily on his hard-won prize—a freshly caught impala.
Drawn by the unmistakable scent of fresh blood, the hyenas had arrived a few minutes earlier. Nostrils flaring, they paced the base of the tree, noses low, following the trail left by the leopard’s kill. Hyenas are masters of patience. Unlike their spotted cousins, brown hyenas rely more on scavenging than brute force, biding their time for the right moment to claim leftovers. It’s a strategy that has served them well in a landscape where opportunity is everything.
Above, the sharp crack of breaking bone echoed through the bush, louder than the distant calls of southern ground hornbills. The leopard's powerful jaws worked with precision, splintering the thick bones of the impala’s limbs. It was a sound that caught the hyenas' full attention. Their gaze snapped upward, eyes locked on the source. To them, that sound was a signal—a hint that something edible might soon fall. One of the hyenas shifted, its gaze fixed on the branches above, ready to react. No predator waits passively in the bush; every second is a test of awareness. Lions, rival hyenas, and even opportunistic jackals would not hesitate to seize a chance at an unguarded meal.
Time stretched in near silence. The crunch of cartilage, the slow, methodical chewing from above, and the dry hum of insects filled the air. The heat wrapped around everything, dense and unrelenting. For the hyenas, it was a heat they’d long since adapted to—conserving energy, sticking to shade, and waiting for just the right moment to strike. Their patience was a lesson in survival.
Then it happened.
A sudden snap rang out, sharp and hollow. A chunk of meat and bone plummeted from the treetop, landing with a dull thud in the underbrush. Instantly, the hyenas sprang into action. The calm of their vigil was gone. They surged toward the fallen prey, jaws wide, eyes fierce with hunger. They collided with the bone from opposite sides, each locking its powerful jaws on one end. The battle was on. The raw strength of a hyena’s bite can crush bones with ease, and now it was on full display. Their muscles tensed and rippled as they twisted and pulled, each determined to claim the largest portion.
A quick snap, a crack, and the bone broke in two. Victory was shared. Each hyena clutched its prize, darting off into the surrounding thickets without a moment’s pause. There would be no celebrations, no lingering. Instinct told them to leave. They knew too well that the thud of falling meat was a call that carried far. Lions, hyenas from other clans, and opportunists of all kinds could be on their way.
High in the tree, the leopard watched them disappear into the bush. His gaze lingered only for a moment. He’d seen this all before. The hyenas had done exactly what he’d expected them to do. Their retreat left him with an opening—and he seized it. Fluid as a stream of water, he slid down from his perch. His movements were deliberate, every muscle a coiled spring of power and precision. In one swift motion, he dragged the remainder of the impala down from the branch.
But he didn’t stop there.
Experience had taught him that hyenas rarely stay away for long. Still gripping the carcass in his jaws, he moved swiftly across the clearing. His goal was clear—a new tree. This time, he chose a leadwood tree, its height and sturdy limbs promising better security. The rough bark scraped against the impala’s skin as he hoisted it upwards, his limbs moving with precision and strength. He climbed higher this time, ensuring the prize was well out of reach from the ground below. Settling onto a fresh branch, he resumed his meal, knowing he’d bought himself more time.
Below, the marula tree’s clearing returned to its natural rhythm. The hum of insects grew louder. A lilac-breasted roller’s call echoed through the bush, punctuating the quiet. It was a scene that had played out for generations — a symphony of patience, instinct, and survival. The leopard’s caution, the hyenas’ persistence, and the delicate timing shared by every predator in the bush: it’s a timeless dance. For every predator’s victory, there’s another’s chance to claim a share. No opportunity is ever truly wasted in the wild.
Raw Africa Collection
Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, the life giving.
This soulful land of dreamers gives rise to the underbelly of a beautiful gentle beat that is only heard by those who listen for it. This photographic journey explores, profiles and captures what I hope is the heart and soul of Africa's true wilderness kingdom. From its deep bush to its dry savannah and desert, Africa remains a place where life is represented by timeless vistas that are distilled into moments to treasure.
Sony A1, Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II, FL: 70mm, S: 1/400s, A: F4.5, ISO: 800.
