GENTLE JAWS OF SERENGETI Marion East and Heribert Hofer have been studying the Mamba clan -a group of spotted hyenas- and their female dominated society for many years, with surprising results. Hyenas are skilful and resourceful hunters and contrary to common belief, its often lions that scavenge on hyena kills. Hyenas are the most dedicated mothers of all carnivores. When the wildebeest move away in their annual migration, lions are left without food, but the females of the Mamba clan commute more than fifty kilometres to reach the grazing areas and hunt down their favourite prey. During their day-time hunting activities they show surprising versatility an flexibility, but stamina and determination are the real winning cards. With full bellies and swollen udders the females return to the den after several days to feed their cubs. As the film will also show, in a female dominated society, males have a had to evolve a very unusual behaviour. Though a high ranking male, Kumi is subordinate to all females in the clan and has to be very cautious when approaching a female. He is often rejected and snared at and vents his frustration off on Mbili, a lower ranking male. Mating is particularly difficult and males have to be very submissive to gain access to females. Directors: Ugo Adilardi and Marco Visalberghi
Photography: Ugo Adilardi
Production: Paneikon - RAITRE - The National Geographic Society - BBC - Television New Zealand
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