Key Points
- An antelope is attacked by African wild dogs, a hippo, and a crocodile in a series of unfortunate events.
- African wild dogs are known for their hunting techniques, including wearing down prey and participating in short chases.
- Hippos are territorial animals and can be aggressive towards other animals, including humans.
- Crocodiles use a stealthy hunting strategy, hiding in the water and then lunging at their prey.
Watch the Sad Footage Below
Sometimes it’s just not your day! This poor antelope (which looks as if it is a nyala) is having a torrid time. It starts off by having to fight off some African wild dogs and manages to evade them by backing into the water. However, it soon finds that it has reversed into a hippopotamus and that is a big mistake! The hippo tries to take a few bites but the antelope is able to dodge out of the way. However, there are still the African wild dogs to contend with and they are persistent!
Suddenly, a further threat emerges from the murky water. A large crocodile surfaces and grabs at the nyala’s back leg and drags it under the water. All the dogs and the hippo can do is watch!
African Wild Dog Hunting Techniques
African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) are carnivores and pack animals and are easily recognizable from the bright colors on their coats. They need to hunt other animals to survive. A resident of sub-Saharan Africa, they feed on antelopes, warthogs and rodents.
Because they have huge stamina and perseverance (endurance hunters), they are known for ‘wearing down’ prey as they are doing here. However, recent research has shown that they also take part in multiple short chases.
Hippos can get very territorial about their patch of river!
©iStock.com/Sergei Uriadnikov
Is This Normal Territorial Behavior for Hippos?
Hippos eat grass, leaves, fruit, and other aquatic plants.
©PhotocechCZ/Shutterstock.com
Hippos are herbivores and eat only grass, leaves, fruit and aquatic plants. They do not eat antelope and so you could argue that the hippo was the least of this antelope’s problems! However, hippos are incredibly territorial about their patches of river and absolutely hate it when they are invaded by other animals. Hippos are large and aggressive animals with sharp teeth and a lot of attitude. Hippos are known to both attack and kill other animals including humans.
Hunting Strategy by the Crocodile
American crocodile have amazing hunting skills. They stay hidden in murky waters until the time is right.
©Jesus Cobaleda/Shutterstock.com
This crocodile was the ultimate winner. It was victorious by adopting a classic croc hunting method. They stay hidden in the muddy water and very gradually advance towards potential prey on the shore. They can move unseen but this antelope had a lot of other things on its mind anyway!
Once the croc is in striking distance it lunges out of the water and bites the prey, dragging them under the water. Sadly, the fate of this antelope was probably drowning prior to being dismembered and consumed by the croc.
Summary Table
| # | Animal | Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | African Wild Dog | Known for ‘wearing down’ prey with their huge stamina and perseverance. They are carnivores and pack animals, feeding on antelopes, warthogs and rodents. |
| 2 | Hippo | Herbivores that are incredibly territorial about their patches of river. They do not eat antelope but are known to attack and kill other animals including humans when their territory is invaded. |
| 3 | Crocodile | Adopts a classic hunting method of staying hidden in the muddy water and gradually advancing towards potential prey on the shore. Once in striking distance, they lunge out of the water and bite the prey, dragging them under the water. |
The photo featured at the top of this post is © charles Hopkins/Shutterstock.com
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