Hyena

Aardwolf Skeleton

Ictitherium viverrinum

Stripedspottedhyenas

Crocuta crocuta

The life of animals (Colored Plate 4) (proteles cristatus)

Hyena refers to any feliform carnivore animals of the family Hyaenidae. Despite their low diversity today, hyenas are unique and vital components of most African ecosystems, with some species also found in parts of Asia. The family Hyaenidae is known for its strong social structures, particularly in the spotted hyena, and its members are adept hunters as well as scavengers. This article provides an overview of the hyena, including its taxonomy, physical characteristics, behavior, habitat, and conservation status.

Taxonomy and Evolution

The family Hyaenidae is part of the order Carnivora and includes four extant species: the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), the brown hyena (Parahyaena brunnea), the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), and the aardwolf (Proteles cristata). Hyenas are unique among the Carnivora in that they are closer relatives to cats and viverrids than to canids, despite a superficial resemblance to dogs.

Hyenas have a rich fossil record, with many extinct species showing a wide range of sizes and ecological niches. Their evolution is characterized by significant changes in climate and habitat, which have influenced their spread and diversification throughout Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Physical Characteristics

Hyenas are known for their strong jaws and teeth, capable of crushing bones to access the marrow inside, a key nutritional source. They have relatively large ears and a keen sense of hearing. The spotted hyena, the largest species, exhibits notable sexual dimorphism, with females being larger and more dominant than males. Hyenas have a distinctive bear-like gait due to their front legs being longer than their hind legs, but they are capable of high speeds over short distances.

Behavior

Hyenas are social animals, with the social structure of spotted hyenas being particularly complex, involving a matriarchal hierarchy. They communicate through a variety of vocalizations, body postures, and scents. Hyenas are known for their 'laughing' vocalizations, especially in the spotted hyena, which can indicate excitement or frustration.

Hyenas are both predators and scavengers, and their diet can include a wide range of animal matter, including carrion, bones, vegetable matter, and other animals' dung. The spotted hyena is particularly known for its hunting ability and will take down large prey such as wildebeest or antelope.

Habitat

Hyenas are adaptable animals found in a variety of habitats, including savannas, grasslands, woodlands, forest edges, subdeserts, and mountains up to 4,000 meters in elevation. Their range is mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, but the striped hyena is also found in north Africa, the Middle East, and India.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of hyenas varies by species. The spotted hyena, while currently the most abundant and widespread, faces habitat loss and persecution by humans. The brown and striped hyenas are classified as near threatened due to similar pressures, and their populations are declining in many areas. The aardwolf, being more specialized in termite feeding, faces less direct competition with humans but is still affected by habitat destruction.

Conclusion

Hyenas are fascinating creatures that play an important role in their ecosystems as both predators and scavengers. Despite their often negative portrayal in folklore and media, they are intelligent, social animals with complex behaviors. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of these unique species in the face of habitat loss and human conflict.