Of all the major predators the painted dog is one of Africa’s most consistently successful hunter but regularly comes under pressure from lion and hyaena at kill sites.  This drawing depicts a typical scene where the dogs have killed an impala (horns lower centre) and a lone spotted hyaena, a non-contributing troublemaker greedily comes in for his underserved share.  The dogs can usually handle a single hyaena and, mindful of the hyaena‘s powerful bone crushing jaws, will customarily give nips to the unprotected rear end while its attention is drawn by the other dogs.  Typically this causes the hyaena to crouch with tail between the legs vocalising in a humiliating position to avoid possible damage to its vitals.  As an observer of this incident on several occasions it has caused me much amusement. Unless other hyaenas or lions are attracted by the commotion, the dogs will quickly continue feeding looked on by an indignant and wary antagonist.

AWARDS: The runner up award at the Autumn Exhibition 2008 AGRA Gallery