As the largest species within the hyena family, spotted hyenas are formidable predators. Their muscular build and powerful limbs allow them to run for miles in pursuit of prey without tiring, a testament to their endurance and physical prowess. One of the most remarkable features of the spotted hyena is its bite force, which is the strongest of any mammal, allowing them to crush bones and access nutritious marrow within. This capability not only provides them with a vital food source but also plays an important role in nutrient recycling within their environment.
While spotted hyenas are known to scavenge, they are also skilled hunters capable of taking down a variety of prey, including large antelopes and wildebeest. Their ability to consume and process bones makes them one of nature’s most efficient cleanup crews, helping to prevent the spread of disease by consuming carcasses left in the wild. Their diet is varied and opportunistic, allowing them to adapt to different environmental conditions and food availability.
Spotted hyenas live in complex social groups known as clans, which can number up to 80 individuals. These clans are matriarchal, with females being larger and more dominant than males. The social hierarchy within a clan is intricate, with fierce competition for rank and status.
Communication among spotted hyenas is sophisticated, involving a wide range of vocalizations, body postures, and scents. Contrary to the “laughing” descriptor, spotted hyenas’ vocalizations convey important information about age, identity, and status within the clan. These sounds can include whoops, grunts, groans, and giggles, each serving a specific purpose in their communication repertoire.
Distribution
Algeria
Angola
Benin
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Central Af. Rep.
Chad
Congo-Brazzaville
Côte D’ivoire
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Djibouti
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Kenya
Malawi
Mali
Mauritania
Mozambique
Namibia
Niger
Nigeria
Rwanda
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Sudan
Tanzania
Togo
Uganda
Zambia
ZimbabweAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Clan
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
