The current distribution of lions and spotted hyenas is shown on the map. Lions inhabit areas marked in dark gray, while spotted hyenas are present in regions marked in light gray.

Specifically, these two apex predators coexist in Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A total of 21 nations share their habitats.

Interestingly, lions and spotted hyenas share 94.9% of their habitat. However, the range of spotted hyenas is noticeably larger, as they are more abundant in areas beyond protected reserves. The estimated lion population in Africa is approximately 20,000 individuals, while spotted hyena population estimates range from 27,000 to 47,000. Due to habitat loss and human conflict, the lion is classified as “Vulnerable” to extinction by the IUCN, whereas the spotted hyena is considered a species of “Least Concern.” Nonetheless, the spotted hyena populations outside of protected areas are also declining due to similar threats.

In summary, lions and spotted hyenas coexist in nearly all regions across Africa where lions are found. Moreover, spotted hyenas persist in many areas where their formidable rivals have been eradicated by human activities.