Why Don’t Lions Eat Hyenas after Killing Them?

Lions tend to avoid eating hyenas once they bring them down. One significant element in this equation is the impact of learned behavior. From a young age, lion cubs observe and absorb knowledge from their mothers on what to target as prey and what qualifies as nourishment. They are guided to chase after creatures like zebras, antelopes, and buffalo known for their rich nutrients that sustain them well. On the contrary, hyenas don’t fit into this preferred prey category. They are viewed more as adversaries rather than a source of food.

Another reason why lions shy away from feasting on hyenas is the existing rivalry between these two species. Lions and hyenas occupy the top spots as apex predators in their environments, resulting to clashes between them over land and food resources. As such, lions tend to eliminate hyenas for sustenance as well as a sign of establishing dominance. Killing a hyena signals power and sends a clear message to other hyenas who’s the boss.

Additionally, the unappealing diet of hyenas which include decaying meat render their flesh unappetizing. Lions being selective hunters do not find hyenas’ meat as attractive compared to other prey available within their ecosystem.

Nonetheless, there have been rare occasions where lions have been spotted consuming hyenas. This typically occurs when food is scarce or when lions are extremely hungry or desperate prompting them to consume parts of a deceased hyena. Such instances are extremely uncommon, but they do happen.

To sum it up, even though lions tend to hunt down hyenas, they generally opt against feasting on them due to their ingrained hunting behaviors, removal of competition as well the unpalatable taste linked with consuming hyenas.