Striped hyena

The only hyena species outside of Africa that can go 15km (10 miles) for a meal

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Striped hyena

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The only hyena species outside of Africa that can go 15km (10 miles) for a meal

Population 5,000 – 14,000
10% continuous decline over the next three generations

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

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Afghanistan
DD
2014
Insufficient data
Algeria
50-100
Official estimate
NT
2014
Armenia
2014
Azerbaijan
2014
Benin
2014
Presence Uncertain
Burkina Faso
100-1,000
DD
2014
Insufficient data
Cameroon
100-1,000
DD
2014
Insufficient data
Central Af. Rep.
2014
Presence Uncertain
Chad
DD
2014
Insufficient data
Djibouti
2014
Egypt
1,000-2,000
DD
2014
Insufficient data
Eritrea
2014
Presence Uncertain
Ethiopia
2014
Georgia
2014
Guinea
2014
Presence Uncertain
India
1,000-3,000
DD
2014
Insufficient data
Iran
2014
Iraq
100-1,000
Official estimate
NT
2014
Israel
1,000
VU
2023
Up from ~100 on the 70’s
Jordan
NT
2014
Kenya
1,000-2,000
Official estimate
LC
2014
Kuwait
2014
Probably Extinct
Lebanon
DD
2014
Insufficient data
Libya
DD
2014
Insufficient data
Mali
DD
2014
Insufficient data
Mauritania
DD
2014
Insufficient data
Morocco
50-500
Official estimate
NT
2014
Nepal
10-50
DD
2014
Niger
100-500
Official estimate
NT
2014
Nigeria
NT
2014
Oman
100-1,000
Official estimate
NT
2014
Pakistan
DD
2014
Insufficient data
Qatar
2014
Presence Uncertain
Saudi Arabia
100-1,000
Official estimate
NT
2014
Senegal
50-100
Official estimate
NT
2014
Somalia
DD
2014
Presence Uncertain
Sudan
DD
2014
Presence Uncertain
Syria
DD
2014
Tajikistan
NT
2014
Tanzania
DD
2014
Tunisia
DD
2014
Turkey
NT
2014
Turkmenistan
2014
UAE
DD
2014
Presence Uncertain
Uganda
2014
Uzbekistan
25-100
Official estimate
NT
2014
Yemen
DD
2014

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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