These 5 Animals Become Lions' Biggest Enemies in the Wild, Brave and Tough

INDONEWTRAVEL.COM - Lions are known as predatory animals in their habitat and occupy the top of the food chain. That is, they are the rulers of their habitat and no other animal hunts them.

However, that does not mean they occupy a position that is always safe. The reason is, although lions are known as strong animals, there are also animals that are no less brave and do not hesitate to fight them for food and territory. Therefore, these animals then become natural enemies for lions.

Now the question is, what are the great animals that have the courage to fight the king of the jungle? The following has been compiled from the Wild Explained and A-Z Animals pages, some of the animals that are the lions' biggest enemies in the wild.

1. Hyena

Hyenas are one of the most common large carnivores in Africa. They have a tendency to steal game remains when other predators hunt. This trait makes hyenas enemies of lions in the wild.

Besides being happy to steal the remains of the game, hyenas also become enemies because they often chase and hunt lion cubs. Yes, hyenas do it because it's relatively easy to do than hunting adult lions. Meanwhile, to defeat an adult female lion, hyenas need ten members of the group, and the number needed will be even more to defeat a male lion.

2. Crocodile

Crocodiles are giant ambush reptiles commonly found in Africa, Asia, the United States and Australia. They become one of the lion's enemies because crocodiles will not hesitate to ambush from under the water. Moreover, this reptile is an excellent swimmer. They also have strong bites and jaws that a single bite can pull an unguarded lion underwater.

Crocodiles often hunt by surprising other animals into the water and drowning them. Crocodiles usually prey on lions on cool nights when they are exhausted and drinking from shallow water. At that time, the crocodile was carefully watching and waiting for the right time to launch an attack.

After successfully catching the lion with its strong bite, he dragged it and drowned it under the water. Although the lion is a very strong animal, it is no match for the underwater crocodile.

3. Leopard

Lions and leopards are great enemies as they both compete for food. Although the lion is stronger in fighting, this does not make the leopard afraid of him.

The leopard is the most successful hunter of all the big cat species which makes it the lion's biggest competitor for food. They are also skilled climbers, making it difficult for lions to steal their prey stored in tall trees.

Leopards are also a big threat because they often chase and prey on lion cubs. Yes, it is common for leopards to do this especially when food is scarce.

4. Bull 

The bull is a large animal whose stomp can kill its victim. In the wild, they are not afraid to defend themselves and kill lions and other animals that pose a threat.

Having a very large body size and strength, it is not surprising for the bull to win one-on-one battles with other large animals, including adult lions. Also, it's not uncommon for lions to hunt bulls alone. If you are going to hunt these large animals, lions usually do it in groups. Even so, the bull was still able to escape in the middle of the chase.

5. Cheetah

In the wild, lions and cheetahs are fierce enemies. Lions hunt and kill cheetahs because of their much larger body size. In addition, lions will also kill cheetahs to keep them from looking for food because they are rivals.

However, because of the ability to run very fast, the cheetah often manages to escape from other animals that are much bigger and stronger, such as lions. Cheetahs will also kill lion cubs when the adult lion is off guard. This is done in an effort to reduce competition before they grow up and are able to fight.

Obviously, even though lions are apex predators and one of the most powerful animals on Earth, that doesn't mean they are in a peaceful position without enemies. To survive in the wild requires high fighting power, even for the king of the jungle.