Thief
Stealth and Strategy: A Spotted Hyena's Triumph
Late afternoon sunlight washed over the African savannah, bathing the expansive plains in rich golden hues. A silent drama unfolded around the skeletal remains of an elephant—a mighty giant whose life had ended days earlier under the relentless assault of a pride of lions. Now only fragments remained; bones picked clean, skin hardened and cracked under the fierce sun, evidence of nature’s unyielding cycle of life and renewal.
As the sun hovered above the horizon, casting long, stark shadows across the dry earth, an unusual gathering began to assemble. Hyenas—masters of survival and ultimate opportunists—had converged, drawn by the promise of sustenance. But this was no cohesive clan bound by family ties and structured hierarchy. Instead, it was a disparate collection of lone hyenas, solitary wanderers attracted by the scent of easy pickings.
Among this scattered assortment of scavengers were younger, more cautious individuals who lingered hesitantly at the edges, wary of the more assertive adults snarling and competing over prime scraps. One particular young hyena stood motionless, his sharp eyes attentively surveying the surroundings, his sensitive nose catching the enticing aroma carried by the warm afternoon breeze.
Nearby lay a seemingly unnoticed piece of bone, still rich with marrow and largely overlooked amidst the frantic feeding frenzy. The young hyena observed it with calculated patience, carefully weighing his chances. His strategic mind—a trait not widely acknowledged—allowed him to assess the risks and rewards meticulously.
Spotted hyenas, frequently misunderstood and unfairly dismissed as mere scavengers, are exceptional hunters with intricate social structures. These creatures live in sophisticated matriarchal clans where females dominate. Less known is their impressive cognitive ability, comparable to primates in certain tasks, and their elaborate vocal communication system consisting of distinct sounds that convey specific information to fellow clan members.
Yet, this young visitor was away from his clan’s protection, a juvenile navigating the harsh realities of independence. A gentle gust rippled through the dry grass, disturbing a vulture perched close by. With slow, deliberate strokes of its broad wings, the satisfied bird ascended gracefully, becoming a mere speck against the clear blue sky, abandoning the scene below.
Seizing this subtle moment of distraction, the young hyena moved forward swiftly yet silently. His spotted coat blended seamlessly with the dappled afternoon light and shadows, camouflaging his approach. In a swift and decisive motion, his powerful jaws clamped securely around the coveted marrow-rich bone, a prize that promised nourishment and energy.
He paused momentarily, alert eyes scanning the surroundings to ensure no rivals had noticed his quick manoeuvre. Reassured by their obliviousness, he turned purposefully away, holding tightly onto his reward. As the sunlight began its slow descent towards evening, the hyena slipped quietly into dense vegetation, returning to solitude to savour his prize undisturbed.
Such fleeting scenes offer a glimpse into the enigmatic existence of these resilient animals, highlighting their intelligence and adaptability in the challenging wilderness. Equipped with jaws among the strongest of any land mammal, spotted hyenas can crush bones effortlessly, maximising every opportunity nature provides.
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: 200mm, S: 1/1,000, A: F5.6, ISO: 2,500.
