According to one estimate it would take at least eight hyenas to kill a lion. This estimation is based on the fact that hyenas have been known to attack and kill lions on their own but usually only when the hyenas vastly outnumber the lion. For example in 2016 a group of five hyenas killed a lioness in Kenya. In 2015 a group of six hyenas killed a lion in South Africa. And in 2014 a group of four hyenas killed a lion in Tanzania.
But these estimations may be conservative. In 2010 three hyenas killed a lion in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. And in 2009 two hyenas killed a lion in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater.
The advantage that hyenas have over lions is that they are more adept at working together as a team. Lions are more solitary hunters and often compete with each other for food. Therefore they are not as good at coordinating their attacks as hyenas are.
Another advantage that hyenas have is that they are not afraid to take on lions even when the odds are not in their favor. In fact sometimes the mere presence of hyenas is enough to make a lion retreat.
So how many hyenas does it take to kill a lion? The answer appears to be anywhere from two to eight depending on the circumstances. If the hyenas are working together as a team and catch the lion by surprise they stand a good chance of killing it. If the lion is alone and outnumbered it is also more vulnerable to an attack.
What is the scientific name for a hyena?
Crocuta crocuta
What is the scientific name for a lion?
Panthera leo
What are the three subspecies of hyena?
The spotted hyena the brown hyena and the striped hyena.
What is the average lifespan of a hyena in the wild?
20 to 25 years
What is the average lifespan of a lion in the wild?
10 to 14 years
How many hyenas are in a typical clan?
80 to 90
How many lions are in a pride?
10 to 15
What is the primary prey of a hyena?
Wildebeest zebra and antelope
What is the primary prey of a lion?
Wildebeest zebra and antelope
How many times can a hyena laugh in a day?
up to 300 times
How many times can a lion roar in a day?
up to 30 times
What is the top speed of a hyena?
37 mph
What is the top speed of a lion?
50 mph
How much can a hyena eat in one sitting?
up to 20% of their body weight
How much can a lion eat in one sitting?
up to 30% of their body weight
