North-East / Central / Equatorial African lions

[Lycaon]

This is a tale of dominance and subversion. Of the two males we'd seen before, probably brothers and aged about 3 years, only one was present, asleep in the long grass some distance away (and I'll call him Older Male/ OM). A younger male, around 18 months old (and referred to here as YM) was feeding on the carcass. Shortly after we arrived YM stopped feeding and, with a very full belly, walked leisurely past our vehicle and lay down about ten metres behind us.

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After a few minutes OM stirred from his snooze and, although some distance away, spotted YM who was directly in his sightline. Immediately OM was totally focused, stood up and started stalking. I hate to anthropomorphise, but that was one very cross and indignant lion!

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As OM steadily approached, YM saw him. His expression can only be described as 'Oh s**t!'.

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And OM clearly meant business as he cut a direct path to the interloper, walking straight past us without even a glance in our direction.

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Suddenly there was snarling, yelping and dust flying up everywhere.

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YM adopted submissive body language with much whimpering and yelping. OM stalked off leaving the youngster utterly defeated and lying in his own mess (and we were close enough for it to be rather pongy!).

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OM walked past us and up to the kill, standing there for a moment as if to assert his ownership before he strolled over to a shady tree full of vultures, lay down and, after looking around, went to sleep.

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We thought that was that and expected YM to at least stay put or even slink off in ignominious defeat. But once it was clear that OM was sleeping, he snuck back towards the carcass, a few little steps and stop, a few more steps and hunch down. I could almost hear the theme music of the Pink Panther accompanying him.

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He had a good look round and started to feed and then, obviously feeling more confident, or perhaps greed outweighed caution, he put his head into the stomach cavity and got stuck in.

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We left them all in peace, really chuffed to have witnessed this little drama. Reply