Hyena

Species

There are three species of hyena (sometimes spelt hyaena).

Crocuta crocuta
Hyaena hyaena
Parahyaena brunna

Spotted hyena
Striped hyena
Brown hyena

Population

The spotted hyena is the most numerous of the three species. The IUCN assessed them in 2014 as least concern but number were declining.
Both the striped & brown hyena were assessed (in 2014) as near threatened with numbers up to 100,000.

Size

Hyenas are fairly large with relatively short torsos, lower hind quarters and sloping backs.
Spotted hyenas are the largest species and females are heavier and larger than males and weigh 55-70 kg and 45-60 kg, respectively. At the shoulder, they stand 75-85 cm. They are 95-150 cm long.
Striped and brown hyenas weigh less; 25-45kg and 42-47 kg, respectively. In theses species, males are slightly heavier than females.

Habitat & distribution

Hyenas are found in savannas, grasslands, woodlands, forest edges, sub-deserts and mountains.
The spotted hyena is a sub-Saharan species (west & east Africa and south into northern South Africa.
The striped hyena is found in northern African and the Middle East.
The brown hyena is found in Namibia, Botswana, parts of Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Spotted hyenas are territorial and are led by females

Spotted hyena clans are led by females. Males tend to leave the clan once they reach adolescence. There is a hierarchy to the clan. The highest ranking female and her offspring also eat first, followed by the next highest ranking female and her offspring and so on.
At the centre of their territory is the den, where cubs are raised and hyenas meet. While the individuals in the clan may spend time alone or in smaller groups, they come together to hunt. The territory is marked by both males and females using a strong smelling substance produced by the anal glands. It is put on grass at the boundary of the territory. Clans also use latrines (a communal area) to poo, which also marks the clan's territory.
In contrast, a brown hyena clan is led by the alpha male.

Diet

Hyenas are carnivores. They are often thought of as scavengers - this is more true for the striped and brown hyenas. However, the spotted hyena is one of Africa's top predators. About 70% of their diet is from direct kills. They will also eat carrion, bones, vegetable matter and other animal droppings. They have a specialized digestive system that can obtain nutrients from skin and bones. Undigestable parts (hooves, hair and horns) are regurgitated as pellets.

Interesting facts

Hyenas have good night vision and good hearing.
While they appear similar to dogs, they are more closely related to cats.
Their tails are 2/3 bone and the lower third is hair.
Spotted hyenas have big brains - larger than the other two species. CT scans revealed they have enlarged forebrains (the part of the brain involved in complex decision making).

Group

Spotted hyenas associate in clans of up to 80 and are related individuals (see coloured box).
Striped hyenas are solitary but may associate in family groups.

Breeding & lifespan

The gestation period is 90-110 days. Cubs are 1 - 1.6kg when the are born in a litter of 2-4. They are born with their eyes open. They can eat meat from 5 months old but they are suckled until they are 12-18 months old. Two to six weeks after they are born, they are transferred to a communal den where an adult will look after them while the clan is out hunting.
The lifespan in the wild is up to 25 years. However, the brown hyena has a shorter life expectancy of around 10 years and the cause of death is usually malnutrition due to dental erosion.

Predators & threats

Humans are their main threat as hyenas are considered a pest because they prey on livestock.