Hyenas and meerkats are distinct animal species that inhabit the diverse landscapes of Africa. Hyenas are powerful carnivores, recognized for their robust build and social structures. Meerkats, in contrast, are small, social mongooses known for their cooperative living in arid environments.
The Predatory Relationship
Hyenas can prey on meerkats, though such events are not common. Meerkats are not a primary food source for them. Larger predators like lions, spotted hyenas, and black-backed jackals are considered potential threats to adult meerkats.
The risk of hyena predation on meerkats typically arises opportunistically, such as during conflicts over resources or when hyenas forage near meerkat burrow systems. Meerkats are relatively small, with adult males averaging around 731 grams and females about 720 grams. Spotted hyenas, on the other hand, are significantly larger, with adults weighing between 35 to 80 kilograms and standing 75 to 85 centimeters at the shoulder. The size disparity contributes to meerkats being an incidental rather than a targeted prey item for hyenas.
Meerkat Survival Strategies
Meerkats employ a range of collective behaviors and physical adaptations to avoid predators. Living in social groups, known as mobs (10 to 30 individuals), provides a defense mechanism. Their cooperative sentinel behavior involves individuals taking turns to stand guard from elevated positions, scanning for threats while the group forages. The lookout emits a “watchman’s song” to signal safety, allowing others to focus on finding food.
When a threat is detected, the sentinel issues specific alarm calls varying by predator type and urgency. A short bark may indicate an aerial predator, prompting meerkats to seek cover in burrows, while different calls signal ground predators.
Meerkats also construct complex burrow systems with multiple entrances and deep tunnels, providing immediate refuge. These burrows offer protection and serve as an escape route.
Meerkats engage in collective defense, such as mobbing, where the group confronts and harasses predators like snakes or jackals. This coordinated effort can deter threats. These combined strategies reduce predation risk, contributing to their survival.
Hyena Foraging and Hunting
Spotted hyenas are adaptable carnivores that primarily obtain food through hunting, contradicting the misconception they are solely scavengers. Up to 90% of their diet comes from their own kills, with the remainder from scavenging. Their diet largely consists of medium to large ungulates, including wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. Hyenas are opportunistic hunters, with prey selection varying by habitat and availability.
Hyenas hunt both alone and in groups, depending on prey size. For smaller prey, a single hyena may stalk and ambush. Larger animals like zebras often require coordinated group efforts involving 10 to 25 hyenas.
They possess powerful jaws and teeth capable of crushing bones, allowing them to consume nearly every part of their prey. This makes them efficient at utilizing carcasses.
Their keen senses of sight, hearing, and smell aid in locating live prey and carrion. Hyenas detect sounds of other predators feeding from kilometers away and observe vultures descending for scavenging opportunities. While they readily scavenge, their hunting skills and physical attributes demonstrate their role as predators in their ecosystems.