It was once said that the species most adaptable to change would ensure its own survival. This type of opportunism in nature exists on a daily basis and we got to experience this first hand.

The lead up to this sighting actually started the evening before when myself and my guests Chris, David, Suzanne and Ellen noticed a male kudu who was alone and looking extremely malnourished. The ribs as well as the pelvis were very noticeable and a comment was passed that this individual might not be around for too much longer.

Little did we know how true this statement would prove, as it came over the radio that a clan of Spotted Hyenas were found to be feasting on the carcass of a male kudu less than 100 meters from where we had seen the kudu the night before.

Very keen to complete the story for my guests, we made our way to the scene - it wasn’t difficult to find as the large groups of soaring White-backed and Hooded Vultures acted like a beacon across the blue sky.

When we arrived, four hyenas had large bellies and had done a good job in finishing off the carcass. We had safely assumed that they were responsible for the kill as there was no sign of lions in this particular area and despite its condition, may have been a bridge too far for a leopard. Hyenas are actually very good hunters using their powerful jaws and numbers to overpower their prey - the scavengers had become the hunters.

After showing a reluctance to leave the carcass, the hyenas decided to make their way to some shade to relax, but that was only after a little game of "chase the vulture". There was a younger hyena who felt that he wanted a "take away" comprising of a leg, the spine and very little meat. Despite its lack of nutrition, we felt this little guy wanted to take away a trophy to show the rest of the clan his hunting prowess.

The hyenas had done their job and it was now left to the vultures to do theirs, with hoards arriving on the scene to clean the bones of the remaining meat.

The hyenas watched the descending swarms of vultures but it wasn’t long before their gaze was diverted.

Then across the open plain, we noticed a female leopard, know as Warthog Wallow, making her way cautiously to the frantic vultures.

She then trotted in to scare away the vultures, only to find the scant remains of the carcass.

Only once she was at the carcass did she notice the four hyenas. She then felt that this was a battle she should avoid and moved casually away from the potential threat.

She made her way to a large Knobthorn tree which she gracefully ascended to gain a better vantage point over the hyenas. Once she noticed a few of the hyenas leaving the scene, possibly to get some water, her expert eyes picked up the young hyena proudly carrying around its trophy. With the remaining members of the clan gone she thought this may be her opportunity and descended the large trunk.

After slowly stalking to get closer, she was spotted by the unsuspecting hyena who started to drag off its prize which I’m sure was starting to get heavy by now.

After some deliberation, the hyena dropped its trophy - the realisation of its lack of importance rather than sustaining some injuries at the hands of a leopard. The leopardess then made her approach only to find that there was very little meat to be had. The disappointment on her face was clear to see. We let her be, slowly moving away in order to find her next meal.

The top end predator had used an opportunity to try and gain a meal against an adversary who had stolen many a kill, but in this instance the hyenas had the last laugh. However this role reversal is not uncommon on the African plains as each species does all it can to ensure their survival.