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The martial eagles of the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya have turned their attention to a new species of prey: lions.
As the largest birds of prey in Africa with a wingspan that can exceed six feet, this shouldn’t be that surprising, as these eagles are able to take down animals that are almost double their own weight. They’ve been known to take it easy by gulping down small insects, as well as carrying impalas away for dinner.
Now, they seem to have set their sights on newborn lion cubs.
A New Top Predator on the Block?
Birds hunting lions may seem like a strange sight; after all, aren’t lions the top predators of the African wilderness?
With their powerful teeth and claws, lions are considered the rulers of the plains. But martial eagles can give them a run for their money. Even though the female adults of this bird species weigh in at around 10 to 14 pounds, they’re able to prey on large animals due to their razor-sharp talons.
In a recent study published in Ecology and Evolution, researchers explained that while lions are the top terrestrial predator in Africa, martial eagles are the top avian predator. This paper is the first of its kind to detail records of these eagles hunting lions. In it, records of martial eagle predation or attempted predation of lion cubs in the Maasai Mara were documented. These records include the deaths of nine lion cubs, with most of them being partially consumed.
The researchers highlight that their findings don’t reflect intra guild predation (the killing and sometimes eating of a potential competitor of a different species) but rather show that these eagles are opportunistic hunters. If they spot a lion cub without noticing a lioness nearby, they might take a risk.
Of course, these birds aren’t always successful, as seen in the above video. National Geographic tells of one incident where a martial eagle attempted to snatch a cub that was right next to its mother. Noticing this, the lioness immediately leapt at the predator, ensuring her cub wasn’t on the menu.
Are Lions at Risk?
As stated, the choice of lion cub as food seems to be opportunistic, so this big cat species doesn’t seem to be in any special danger from the martial eagles.
Amy Dickman, who leads Lion Landscapes, a nonprofit focused on the coexistence of humans and wildlife in Kenya and Tanzania, explained to National Geographic that she doesn’t think the eagles pose a conservation threat to the big cats. Instead, it’s just something that lion prides need to deal with, like trouble from hyenas or interloping male lions.
However, a lion pride might feel extraordinarily threatened if a martial eagle decides to exclusively hone in on their cubs.
Martial eagles can also be a food source for big cats; there is a YouTube video filmed in Botswana of a leopard hunting a martial eagle.
This is yet another example of the extremely complex and interesting relationships that exist between species that share the African wilderness. The Maasai Mara is an especially incredible environment to spot animals in their natural habitats. This iconic destination sees the annual Great Migration and is famous for its high density of predators, particularly lions, cheetahs, and leopards, offering thrilling predator-prey interactions for travellers.
Contact Discover Africa today to start planning your dream safari tour in Kenya.
Written by Paula Rabeling
• Travel Writer
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Written by Paula Rabeling
• Travel Writer
Part of the Masai Mara Safari Collection