Scientists fitted GPS collars to 17 lions and 14 hyenas expecting hyenas to follow lions

Wildlife biologists tracking lions and spotted hyenas in Southern Africa have found evidence that challenges a long-held belief about how the two predators interact. Instead of hyenas mainly following lions to find leftover food, the study found that male lions often actively move towards spotted hyenas, while the hyenas try to get away. The study, published in the open-access journal Frontiers in Ethology on September 9, 2026, used thousands of telemetry records to track the movements of the two species in real time. Researchers fitted high-precision GPS collars to 17 African lions (Panthera leo) and 14 spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) living in protected wilderness areas. Researchers had initially expected hyena groups to regularly follow lions, either to take advantage of their kills or to scavenge food left behind. The tracking data showed a different pattern. Male lions often changed direction and moved towards nearby hyenas, while hyenas changed their routes or moved away to avoid potentially dangerous encounters.Tracking data reveals unexpected movement patternsThe international research team used location data collected at regular intervals across several seasons to study t...