Hunters and scavengers Hunters of the African grasslands need lightning speed, or cunning stealth, or a combination of both, to capture their prey. A cheetah's long stride and flexible back and limb joints help to make it the world's fastest mammal. It can reach a speed of 90 kph, but only over a short distance. Unlike the cheetah, the lion relies on stealth and surprise rather than speed to catch its prey. It sneaks up on a herd of wildebeeste and then makes a quick dash to grab one, usually a sick, old, or very young wildebeeste.
Lions are rather lazy animals that spend much of the day sleeping under a tree.
They sometimes feed on animals killed by other predators such as cheetahs and hyaenas. Jackals, hyaenas and vultures are the cleaners of the African grasslands. Their job is to pick carcasses clean after the other predators have had their fill. They eat grass leaves and flowers, as well as small animals such as insects, frogs and lizards. The biggest bird that lives in European grasslands is the Great Bustard.