Jilime had made a jackal kill in Luluka’s territory. While we observed her eating, we noticed movement in the grass. The once-playful Luluka was now advancing towards the tree growling deeply, her mouth foaming uncontrollably with rage the closer she got. Within seconds, Luluka sprung up into the tree and viciously attacked Jilime, initiating a violent exchange that thundered through the atmosphere. This abrupt altercation left Jilime disoriented, dislodging her and the carcass, both falling to the ground. Luluka swiftly descended and began circling her daughter, each hissing at the other as the pressure mounted. Jilime lost control, violently striking her mother on the nose but quickly realised that this was the wrong move. Luluka enforced her authority over her naïve daughter with a series of strategic manoeuvres, overcoming her progeny effortlessly and with the ruthlessness of a trained martial artist. It was a spectacle to behold; a masterclass in the art of battle.

By Eric Averdung in aid of the Angama Foundation