Spotted hyena with kill

Gallery: WildlifePosted March 10, 2009724 views6 comments

My sons and I were watching a cheetah mother with three, almost fully grown, cubs at a wildebeest calf kill at Ndutu in southern Serengeti in May, 2006. Nearby, sat a large flock of vultures of mixed species, and a pair of tawny eagles, waiting patiently for the cheetahs to finish their meal. Suddenly, out of nowhere, came a spotted hyena and snatched the kill from the rightful owners, cheating the vultures and the eagles from their share. The cheetahs put up only a token protest, but were too intimidated by the larger carnivore to put up a fight.
Location: Ndutu, Tanzania
Species: Spotted hyena
Date: May, 2006
Specs: ISO 100, f 5.6, 1/500s
Camera: Canon 20D
Lens: Canon 75-300
Shot from a vehicle, using a beanbag for support.
Thank you for taking the time out to look, and for your kind comments/ critiques.

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Billy Fairburn on March 10, 2009 at 12:25 PM

Great shot Ajit, and a good example of the agressive 'tail up' pose. I might crop in a bit closer - taking a little off the top and the right to get the most of the hyena's pose and expression.

Billy

Registered on March 3, 2007, 123 Posts, 717 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on March 11, 2009 at 12:46 AM

This is quite a spectacular image Ajit. It depicts such typical and cruel behaviour of the hyena. The pose of the hyena could not really be any better with that carcass in its strong jaws and the good eye contact and head turn whilst at the same time the tail-up is clearly visible. Well done.

I am surprised you did not get more comments already.

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments

Comment posted by Kedar Bhat on March 11, 2009 at 5:06 AM

Wow nice capture ajit

Registered on April 7, 2008, 77 Posts, 357 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Hill on March 11, 2009 at 10:01 AM

Hi Ajit,

I quite like this shot. You've done a great job of artfully documenting a predator doing what comes naturally. I don't think the pose and position of the hyena couldn't be any better and your tech specs all look spot on. Interesting story to go along with image...

I have to admit that I find it fascinating to observe the anthropomorphic reactions and comments to an image such as this (probably due to my training in animal behaviour - of wildlife, not humans!). It could be argued that the only true loser in the entire interaction was the wildebeest calf, yet if you read through all the commentary and comments associated with the image, you almost feel sorry for the cheetahs, vultures and eagles (and blame the "cruel" hyena!). I see no cruelty or unfairness in the image or story - simply a fascinating story about predation and klepto-parasitism (and animals simply doing what they do, free of value judgments). No criticism intended here, just an observation.

Great shot...wonderful capture of drama in real life...

Brad

Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on March 12, 2009 at 12:58 PM

This is a spectacular real-life capture, powerful because of the subject matter and the great posing.

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on March 18, 2009 at 2:39 PM

Congrats on the EP Ajit.

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments