Now, although hyenas are in many ways similar to dogs, as a species they are more closely related to cats. They are resident across Africa with the Spotted Hyena being the largest group. Hyenas are scavengers and often dine on the leftovers of other predators but they are also skilled hunters and can take down animals as large as wildebeest and antelope. They also kill and eat birds, lizards, snakes and insects.
Hyenas have good eyesight and hearing and travel long distances. The hyena is a pack animal and they work as a team in isolating sick animals and pursue them to their death. Spotted hyenas are quite vocal, and can often be heard “laughing”.
Over the years I have viewed many groups of hyenas, single animals sleeping away a heavy meal, and a clan where a new baby had been born. The most memorable sighting for me was in Sabi Sands Game Reserve, that is part of the greater Kruger National Park in the Mpumalanga region of South Africa.
It was Tuesday 25 August 2009. After a quiet and dull morning drive we return to camp and see animals including warthog and elephants visiting the waterhole. We head off again in the afternoon and see hippopotamus with a baby. In spite of our best efforts the leopard eludes us but after a tip off we drive off at speed to a hyena sighting.
As the sky turned pink and the light faded we were surrounded by hyena returning to the den. At the entrance to the den we have brief glimpses of a mother and baby. It was a magical experience and one I shall never forget. It also provided me with one of my favourite images and one that formed part of my Associate of the Royal Photographic Society panel for the Professional and Applied category submitted in 2012.
Hyena 1, Sabi Sands, South Africa – Alison Price, August 2009
Hyena 2, Sabi Sands, South Africa – Alison Price, August 2009
Hyena 3, Sabi Sands, South Africa – Alison Price, August 2009
And the Image of the Week is for you Claire:
IMAGE OF THE WEEK – Hyena 4, Sabi Sands, South Africa – Alison Price, August 2009
I absolutely love these photos Alison, thank you so much for giving me my own special Image of the Week.
I’ve just got back from an afternoon Bristol Zoo – more gazing at animals! – but nothing compares to seeing animals in their proper habitat.
Hyena 4 has such an intelligent look on his face. The detail and colour of his fur in this shot is fantastic.
Thank you!
Claire
My pleasure!