What is the Success Rate of Predators Hunting During the Migration?

The Great Migration is one of the most incredible wildlife events in the world. Every year, millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles move across the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya, searching for fresh grass and water. But as they travel, they face many dangers, including hungry predators.

At Seko Tours, we specialize in guiding safaris through these breathtaking landscapes, ensuring travelers witness the raw beauty of nature, including dramatic predator hunts. But have you ever wondered how often predators succeed in catching their prey during the Great Migration? Let’s explore!

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The Great Migration: A Feast for Predators

The Great Migration is like a moving buffet for predators. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and crocodiles take advantage of the massive herds. With so many animals moving together, it may seem like an easy meal for these hunters. However, hunting is not always successful.

Predators rely on skill, speed, and teamwork to catch their prey. But prey animals are also strong, fast, and smart. They have special ways to escape. This creates an exciting battle for survival that visitors on safari can witness up close.

Success Rates of Different Predators

Each predator hunts in a different way, and their success rates vary. Let’s look at how well they do during the migration:

Lions – The Kings of the Migration

Lions are strong and work as a team. They hunt in groups called prides, which makes it easier to take down big animals like wildebeests and zebras.

• Success rate: About 25–30% of lion hunts end in a kill.
• Hunting style: Lions prefer to hunt at night when it’s cooler. They use teamwork to surround their prey and attack together.
• Challenges: Prey animals are always alert, and lions need to get very close before they attack. If a prey spots them too early, it will escape.

Cheetahs – The Fastest Hunters

Cheetahs are the fastest animals on land, reaching speeds of up to 112 km/h (70 mph). But speed alone is not enough to guarantee a successful hunt.

• Success rate: Cheetahs have a higher success rate than lions, about 40–50%.
• Hunting style: Cheetahs hunt alone and rely on their incredible speed to chase down prey.
• Challenges: They get tired quickly and can’t fight for food against stronger predators like lions and hyenas.

Leopards – The Silent Stalkers

Leopards are stealthy hunters that prefer to hunt alone. They are excellent climbers and often drag their kill up a tree to keep it safe from other predators.

• Success rate: Around 30–40% of leopard hunts end successfully.
• Hunting style: Leopards rely on surprise attacks. They hide in tall grass and leap onto their prey before it can run away.
• Challenges: If a leopard’s attack fails, it rarely chases the prey for long because it does not have the stamina of a cheetah.

Hyenas – The Clever Opportunists

Hyenas are often thought of as scavengers, but they are actually very skilled hunters. They hunt alone or in packs, making them deadly when working together.

• Success rate: Hyenas hunting alone succeed about 15–20% of the time, but in packs, their success rate can go up to 70–80%!
• Hunting style: They tire out their prey by chasing it for long distances before attacking.
• Challenges: Other predators, like lions, often steal food from hyenas.

Crocodiles – The River Predators

One of the most dramatic moments of the migration is when thousands of wildebeests cross the Mara River, where giant Nile crocodiles wait for them.

• Success rate: Crocodiles succeed in about 50% of their attacks.
• Hunting style: They wait patiently in the water and launch surprise attacks, pulling their prey underwater.
• Challenges: If a wildebeest is strong enough, it can escape a crocodile’s grip.

Why Do Some Hunts Fail?

Even the best hunters fail sometimes. Here are some reasons why:

• Prey animals are fast and alert. Wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles are always watching for danger. They can outrun or outmaneuver predators.
• Bad timing. If a predator attacks too early or too late, the prey has time to escape.
• Strong defenses. Zebras kick hard, and wildebeests fight back with their horns.
• Competition from other predators. A successful hunter may lose its meal to a stronger animal.

What This Means for a Safari Experience

At Seko Tours, we take visitors to the best places to see predator-prey action during the Great Migration. The best locations include:

• Serengeti National Park (Tanzania): The heart of the migration, where lions and cheetahs hunt on the open plains.
• Maasai Mara (Kenya): Famous for the dramatic river crossings, where crocodiles attack wildebeests.
• Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania): A natural wildlife paradise where predators thrive all year round.

By joining a safari with Seko Tours, travelers can witness the struggle for survival firsthand.

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Final Thoughts

The Great Migration is an unforgettable spectacle where both predators and prey fight for survival. While predators have impressive hunting skills, they do not always succeed. Every failed hunt is another chance for the prey to live another day, making the migration one of nature’s greatest dramas.

Seko Tours can help plan a custom safari to witness these breathtaking moments in the wild. Whether you want to see lions hunting on the Serengeti plains or crocodiles attacking at the Mara River, we know the best places and times for a spectacular wildlife experience.