10 Fun Facts About the Spotted Hyena
The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), is often surrounded by myth and misperception, it’s a fascinating creature. Although one of the ‘ugly five’ its one of my favourite animals to watch especially sat at a hyena den watching thier adorable young.
As the largest member of the hyena family, the spotted hyena is a powerful predator with a tawny coat adorned with dark spots and holds genetic ties closer to felines than to canines despite its seemingly dog-like appearance.
Native to sub-Saharan Africa, spotted hyenas possess a unique blend of behavioral and physical traits, setting them apart from their hyena cousins – the striped, brown, and insectivorous aardwolf – and many other carnivores. With their intricate social structures, versatile diet, and unmistakable vocalisations, the spotted hyena presents a captivating study in adaptability and survival in the wild.
How are Spotted Hyena different from other hyena?
Spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) are one of the four hyena species, and they differ from the other three species – the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), the brown hyena (Hyaena brunnea), and the aardwolf (Proteles cristatus) – in several distinct ways:
Appearance
Spotted hyenas have a tawny or pale coat dotted with dark spots, hence their name. In contrast, striped hyenas have a coat with vertical black stripes on their bodies and legs, while brown hyenas have a darker, shaggier coat with slightly lighter mane. On the other hand, the aardwolf is smaller with a slender build and has a coat marked by vertical stripes and a mane running down the midline of the neck and back.
Size
Spotted hyenas are the largest of the hyena species. They can weigh up to 190 pounds, while the other hyenas are generally smaller. The aardwolf, in particular, is significantly smaller and more delicate in its build.
Diet
Spotted hyenas are versatile predators and scavengers, often hunting large ungulates but also consuming smaller prey and carrion. Striped and brown hyenas are primarily scavengers, with the brown hyena occasionally hunting small animals. Aardwolves differ markedly in their diet as they primarily eat termites, making them insectivorous rather than carnivorous.
Social Behavior
Spotted hyenas are famously social and live in large, structured clans that can consist of up to 100 individuals. Their societies are complex, with established hierarchies and roles. Striped and brown hyenas, on the other hand, are more solitary, although they may live in small family groups. Aardwolves are also relatively solitary or are found in pairs.
Distribution
While all hyena species are native to Africa, their distribution varies. Spotted hyenas are widespread and are found across sub-Saharan Africa. Striped hyenas have the broadest range, extending from Africa to the Middle East and even parts of Asia. Brown hyenas are restricted to the southern parts of Africa, particularly in arid areas. Aardwolves are found in two separate regions of Africa – one in the East and the other in the South.
Reproductive Anatomy
Female spotted hyenas are known for their unique reproductive anatomy, featuring an elongated clitoris resembling a pseudo-penis. While this feature is also somewhat present in striped and brown hyenas, it is most pronounced in spotted hyenas.
Pregnant Spotted Hyena walking in Mugie Conservancy
Here are 10 fun facts about the incredible spotted hyena
1. The Cackle of the "Laughing" Hyena
Many of us know the spotted hyena as the "laughing hyena," named for its unique giggling sounds. Contrary to the notion that it's a sign of mischief, this laugh indicates nervousness or submission. Imagine expressing anxiety with a chuckle instead of a sigh!
2. Mighty Bite: Nature's Bone Crusher
The spotted hyena's jaw isn't just for show. Among terrestrial mammals, they boast one of the most powerful bite forces. These jaws are so strong that they can crush and digest large, dense bones, an ability not many predators possess. It's a testament to their adaptability and survival skills.
3. Predator, Not Just a Scavenger
Contrary to popular belief and their portrayal in many films, spotted hyenas are accomplished hunters. They're capable of taking down prey as large as zebras and wildebeest. While they don't shun an easy meal and will scavenge if the opportunity arises, hunting is their primary means of obtaining food.
4. Female Power: The Matriarchal Hyena Society
In the spotted hyena world, females rule (maybe this is why they are one of my favorites). They are not only larger but also more aggressive than their male counterparts. This matriarchal society is unique among large carnivores, and it adds an exciting layer to their social dynamics. In the wild, it's not always about brute strength; strategy and social structure sometimes play an equally vital role.
5. The Mysteries of Hyena Reproduction
One of the most intriguing aspects of spotted hyenas is their reproductive system. Female hyenas possess an elongated clitoris, often mistaken for a penis, known as a pseudo-penis. This anatomical structure is so similar to the male's that it can be challenging to differentiate between the sexes. Furthermore, females give birth through this pseudo-penis, a process as complex and risky as it sounds.
6. Societies as Complex as Primates
The intricate social structures of spotted hyenas can rival those of some primates. Living in clans with elaborate hierarchies, their interactions showcase cooperation, competition, alliances, and betrayals, just like a real-life soap opera.
7. Intelligence: The Thinking Predator
Hyenas aren't just brawn; they have the brains to match. Research suggests that their problem-solving skills and cooperative abilities might put them on par with certain primates. From understanding the concept of numbers to strategizing during hunts, hyenas continue to surprise and impress researchers worldwide.
8. Night Owls of the Savannah
Though occasionally active during daylight, the spotted hyena is primarily a creature of the night. Their nocturnal nature serves them well, allowing them to hunt and forage under the cover of darkness, away from the scorching African sun.
9. A Menu as Diverse as Africa Itself
Spotted hyenas are versatile in their dietary choices. While large ungulates like wildebeest form a substantial part of their diet, they won't say no to smaller prey, birds, snakes, or even insects. Opportunistic and adaptable, they won’t say no to an easy meal.
10. It Takes a Clan: Communal Child-rearing
In a world where survival is paramount, spotted hyenas employ communal efforts to raise their young. Pups are nurtured in shared dens, and it's not unusual to see clan members who aren't the parents playing with or even babysitting the young ones. It truly takes a clan to raise a hyena!
The spotted hyena, often misunderstood and maligned, is a creature of incredible complexity and adaptability. From their unparalleled jaw strength to their intricate social dynamics, every aspect of their existence is a testament to the beauty of evolution. The next time you hear the "laugh" of a hyena, remember that there's so much more to their story than meets the eye.
Spotted Hyena on a hippo kill.
I’m always interested in the most commonly asked questions about animal species on google and here were the most frequently asked questions..
Are Spotted Hyena Agressive?
Spotted hyenas, with their complex social dynamics and survival instincts, exhibit varying degrees of aggression based on the context. They often engage in aggressive behaviors to establish and uphold social hierarchies within their clans, especially given their matriarchal structure where dominant females assert their authority. Their aggressiveness also manifests during hunts and while feeding, as competition for food can be fierce. Notably, they share a particularly antagonistic relationship with lions, leading to intense confrontations over territory and prey.
However, in interactions with humans, spotted hyenas generally prefer avoidance. Yet, conflicts can arise in areas where their habitat overlaps with human settlements or where they've become accustomed to human presence, such as livestock raids or rare direct confrontations. Above all, maternal instincts drive female hyenas to display fierce protectiveness when they perceive threats to their young.
While aggression is a facet of their behavior, it's crucial to recognise it as a component of their broader, multifaceted nature, shaped by environmental and social pressures.
Do Spotted Hyena Make Good Pets?
Spotted hyenas are not suitable as pets for numerous reasons.
They are wild animals with deeply rooted predatory instincts that can't be domesticated like traditional pets such as dogs or cats. Their potential for aggression and considerable size and strength make them unpredictable and potentially dangerous in a domestic setting.
Meeting their specific dietary needs can be challenging, and providing a nutritionally inadequate diet might lead to health complications. Moreover, these creatures thrive in complex social groups with intricate hierarchies, and isolating them from this social structure can induce stress and result in behavioral problems.
Legally, many regions prohibit the ownership of spotted hyenas due to safety and conservation concerns. Ethically, capturing wild animals or supporting industries that do so can disrupt ecosystems and harm the species' conservation status. Given their need for expansive spaces to roam and the potential risk of zoonotic diseases, combined with their long lifespan of up to 25 years, attempting to domesticate a spotted hyena presents both practical and moral challenges. It is in the best interests of both humans and hyenas to admire these magnificent creatures from a safe distance in their natural habitats.
Pregnant Spotted Hyena in the Mugie Conservancy, Kenya