STRIPED HYENA
Hyaena hyaena
DESCRIPTION
Striped Hyena is a unique species of hyena known for its distinctive striped coat and slender build. It has a shaggy, grayish-brown fur with dark stripes along its body, which helps it blend into its arid habitat. Striped Hyenas are primarily nocturnal scavengers, often seen foraging alone or in small family groups, and they play a crucial role in their ecosystem by cleaning up carrion.
FUN FACTS
- Striped Hyenas are known for their unique vocalizations, which can sound like laughter, leading to their nickname as the 'laughing hyena.' They have a highly developed sense of smell, allowing them to locate carrion from great distances
- | Unlike their spotted relatives, Striped Hyenas are more solitary and less social, often scavenging alone or in small family units
- They are also known to dig for food, using their powerful forelimbs to unearth buried carcasses
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-12 years in the wild, up to 20 in captivity
Average Weight25-50 kg
Average Length90-110 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social Structuresolitary or small family groups, typically consisting of a mother and her young
Activity PatternNocturnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round, with peaks depending on region
- Habitat
- Striped Hyenas inhabit dry, arid regions such as savannas, grasslands, and scrublands. They prefer areas with sparse vegetation where they can easily locate food sources.
- Biomes
- Savanna, Grassland, Desert
- Native Range
- Striped Hyenas are found across North and East Africa, as well as parts of the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent.
- Continent
- Africa, Asia
- Countries
- Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Libya, Morocco, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda
- Diet
- Striped Hyenas are opportunistic feeders, primarily scavenging for carrion but also hunting small animals when necessary. They have a varied diet that includes fruits and insects.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- carrion, small mammals, fruits
- Social Structure
- solitary or small family groups, typically consisting of a mother and her young
- Activity Pattern
- Nocturnal
- Group Size
- 1-5
- Territorial
- 1
VU
25-50 kg
Weight
90-110 cm
Length
- Coloration
- grayish-brown with dark stripes
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are slightly larger than females
- Lifespan
- 10-12 years in the wild, up to 20 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 90-100 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 2-4
- Sexual Maturity
- 2-3 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round, with peaks depending on region
VU
Vulnerable
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Striped Hyenas is currently declining due to habitat loss and persecution.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 10,000-20,000
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction, hunting, and conflict with humans. Striped Hyenas are often killed due to misconceptions about their behavior and their role as scavengers.
- Predators
- Humans are the primary threat, but young hyenas may be vulnerable to larger carnivores such as lions and leopards.
- Defense Mechanisms
- Striped Hyenas have strong jaws and teeth that allow them to defend themselves effectively against threats.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon