DUSK SHADOWS
A Hyena Cub's Vigil
As dusk settled over the African savannah, a young hyena cub sat alone, bathed in the fading golden light of the day. The cub, not yet hardened by the trials of the wild, waited with an air of patience that belied its youth, its gaze fixed on the distant hills. The harsh heat of the day was beginning to dissipate, replaced by cooler breezes that hinted at the chill of the approaching night.
The savannah around him was alive with subtle movements and faint sounds. The long shadows of acacia trees stretched across the landscape, their forms dancing in the light breeze. Occasionally, the cub sniffed the air, testing it for the familiar scent of his mother. The world around him, so vast and indifferent, held both promise and peril. Not long ago, a leopard had prowled near the den—an ever-present threat to young hyenas. But for now, the predator seemed to have moved on.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the cub shifted, the energy of the day giving way to the stillness of evening. The first stars began to emerge, their faint glimmers reflected in the cub's wide, watchful eyes. Suddenly, a distant call—a whoop, rising and falling in pitch—broke the stillness. The cub sat up, ears perked, and recognised the sound of its mother. It was a call full of reassurance, signalling her approach. And so the young hyena's patience was rewarded as the silhouette of its mother appeared, loping silently through the twilight. For the cub, her return meant more than a meal—it meant the safety and warmth of familial bonds in a world where survival depends on community and patience.
Hyena Cubs Await Their Fate Each Day
Often relegated to the stereotype of mere scavengers, they are highly intelligent, complex animals with robust social structures. Spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) live in matriarchal clans dominated by females—a rare social system among large carnivores. For the youngest members of the clan, life is fraught with challenges, especially when their mothers and the rest of the clan are away hunting.
Hyena cubs spend their early days at dens, often burrowed into abandoned aardvark holes or other natural cavities. These dens provide a critical sanctuary during the cubs’ most vulnerable stages of life. Unlike lion cubs, which are hidden away from their prides for weeks after birth, hyena cubs are typically introduced to the clan early, gaining social experience under the watchful eyes of adult females. However, while the clan is away hunting, cubs are often left alone, relying on the safety of the den and their instincts to navigate the dangers of their environment.
While dens offer some protection, they are far from impenetrable fortresses. Predators like leopards, lions, and even other hyenas pose a constant threat to cubs. Leopards, in particular, are known to opportunistically prey on hyena cubs. The risk of predation means that the location of the den is critical—dens situated in open areas or close to water sources may expose the cubs to a higher risk of attack.
To reduce these risks, spotted hyenas frequently move their dens to avoid detection by predators. This mobility, while necessary, can be stressful for young cubs, who must quickly adapt to new surroundings. Additionally, hyena mothers are known to be fiercely protective of their young. They will confront predators, including lions, to defend their cubs, though their absence during hunting expeditions leaves the cubs temporarily exposed.
Food scarcity is another significant challenge. Hyena cubs are entirely dependent on their mother’s milk for the first six months of life. During this period, the mother must strike a delicate balance between staying close to the den to nurse and joining the clan on hunts to secure enough food for herself and her offspring. In lean times, this balance can be disrupted, leaving cubs hungry and at a disadvantage.
Once cubs begin to transition to solid food, they rely on the adults to regurgitate prey captured during hunts. However, this is no guarantee of survival. In hyena clans, social hierarchy plays a vital role in determining access to resources. Higher-ranking females and their offspring often have better access to food, while lower-ranking individuals may struggle to secure enough sustenance for their cubs.
Raw Africa Collection
Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, the life giving.
This soulful land of dreamers gives rise to the underbelly of a beautiful gentle beat that is only heard by those who listen for it. This photographic journey explores, profiles and captures what I hope is the heart and soul of Africa's true wilderness kingdom. From its deep bush to its dry savannah and desert, Africa remains a place where life is represented by timeless vistas that are distilled into moments to treasure.
Sony A1, Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS, FL: 200mm, S: 1/640s, A: F5.6, ISO: 1,000.
