Often overshadowed by its more notorious relative, the spotted hyena, the striped hyena is an intriguing creature with a wide range extending from North Africa through the Middle East to India. This species is the most widespread of the hyena family, yet it remains the least understood and most uncommon. Unlike its counterparts, the striped hyena is characterized by its distinctively marked fur, with vertical stripes adorning its torso, contrasting sharply with its relatively plain, sandy, or greyish coat.
Primarily scavengers, striped hyenas have a diet that underscores their role as crucial players in their ecosystem’s cleanup crew. Carrion, the decaying flesh of dead animals, constitutes the bulk of their diet, though they are not averse to supplementing this with insects, fruits, and smaller prey animals when the opportunity arises. This dietary flexibility showcases the striped hyena’s adaptability to different environments and food availabilities. Their dental structure, with small molars and robust carnassials, is perfectly adapted for their scavenging lifestyle, allowing them to crush, shear, and slice through tough materials like bone and hide.
One of the most remarkable survival tactics of the striped hyena, when faced with predators such as lions or packs of dogs, is their ability to feign death. This behavior can deter potential attackers, who often prefer their prey to be alive when they begin the hunt. This strategy, along with their nocturnal habits, helps protect them from becoming prey themselves.
Historically, striped hyenas have been embroiled in a myriad of superstitions and myths. Accusations of grave digging, attacking small animals, and even kidnapping have been leveled against them across different cultures. These misconceptions have contributed significantly to their persecution and the decline of their populations in various regions. In some areas, they have been almost entirely eradicated, victims of human encroachment, habitat destruction, and direct killing. The lack of understanding and appreciation for the ecological role of striped hyenas has exacerbated their plight.
Distribution
Afghanistan
Algeria
Official estimate
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Benin
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Central Af. Rep.
Chad
Djibouti
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Georgia
Guinea
India
Iran
Iraq
Official estimate
Israel
Jordan
Kenya
Official estimate
Kuwait
Lebanon
Libya
Mali
Mauritania
Morocco
Official estimate
Nepal
Niger
Official estimate
Nigeria
Oman
Official estimate
Pakistan
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Official estimate
Senegal
Official estimate
Somalia
Sudan
Syria
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
UAE
Uganda
Uzbekistan
Official estimate
YemenAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
