I thought this rather long winded photo story illustrates the hardships of nature quite well.
One early morning in Etosha we encountered some hyenas that had killed a springbok. The following hour was quite eventful. (Also notice the curious onlooker in the background of the first four pictures
)
The hyenas with their kill.
Chasing away some jackals...
...to no avail.
Deciding to move the food...
...but the jackals tag along.
Some of them enjoy the spoils...
...while others still aim for the main course.
Annoying critters, they are!
One of the hyenas discovers an intruder.
The other decide to grab the food and run.
Too late!
...but the jackals won't give up!
Never give up.
Annoying critters, they are!
MY food!
Impatiently waiting.
Tucking in.
Finished half an hour later.
...leaving the scraps for the jackals, now bothered by the pied crows
We were the first to get to this spot. The people arraving half an hour later never saw the hyenas and most probably thought that the lion was the killer in this drama.
It pays to get up early!
Thanks for looking!