African ecosystems host diverse predators, including the cheetah, known for speed, and the hyena, recognized for powerful jaws and social structure. These species often cross paths, leading to complex interactions. A common question concerns whether hyenas prey on cheetahs or primarily scavenge their kills, highlighting their dynamic coexistence.
Understanding Their Interactions
While hyenas are not primary predators of adult cheetahs, they do prey on cheetah cubs. Over 90% of cheetah cubs do not survive to independence, with predation by larger carnivores like hyenas being a significant factor. Hyenas may also occasionally target sick or injured adult cheetahs, though direct observation of adult cheetah mortality due to hyenas is uncommon.
The more frequent interaction involves hyenas scavenging from cheetah kills. Cheetahs, with their lighter build and smaller jaws, are often forced to abandon their prey when confronted. Hyenas are opportunistic; they may follow cheetahs, hoping to steal a freshly made kill.
Competition for Shared Resources
A central dynamic between hyenas and cheetahs is their competition for food. Spotted hyenas are well-known for kleptoparasitism, a behavior where they steal kills from other predators. Cheetahs, designed for speed rather than strength, are particularly vulnerable to this form of theft. They often lose their hard-earned meals to hyenas, which can significantly impact their hunting success and survival.
Cheetahs are frequently forced to abandon their prey when confronted by hyenas, especially when multiple hyenas are present. A single hyena can often intimidate a cheetah into giving up its kill due to its more robust build and powerful bite force. In some areas, cheetahs lose a notable percentage of their kills to spotted hyenas; for example, in Kruger Park, this figure can be around 14%. This constant threat of kleptoparasitism influences cheetah hunting behavior and resource acquisition.
Cheetah Survival Strategies
Cheetahs employ various strategies to minimize threats from hyenas and coexist in shared habitats. One such adaptation involves hunting during daylight hours when hyenas are typically less active. This temporal separation helps cheetahs avoid direct confrontations over kills. After making a kill, cheetahs often consume their prey rapidly to reduce the time spent exposed to potential thieves. Male cheetahs and single females without cubs prioritize eating quickly to prevent theft.
Cheetahs also utilize spatial avoidance, seeking out areas with lower densities of larger competitors like hyenas, known as “competition refuges.” When escape is not possible, particularly for mothers with cubs, cheetahs may choose to defend their young or attempt to lure predators away. Mother cheetahs exhibit increased vigilance after a kill, watching for threats while their cubs eat, although this increases the overall time spent at the kill site. Group dynamics, especially in male coalitions, can also provide a degree of protection and improve their ability to deter competitors.