The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), also known as the laughing hyena or tiger wolf,is a species of hyena native to Sub-Saharan Africa.
Spotted hyenas are famed scavengers and often dine on the leftovers of other predators. But these hardy beasts are also skilled hunters that will take down wildebeest or antelope. They also kill and eat birds, lizards, snakes, and insects.
The spotted hyena is the largest extant member of the Hyaenidae.Adults measure 95.0—165.8 cm in body length, and have a shoulder height of 70.0-91.5 cm.Adult male spotted hyenas in the Serengeti weigh 40.5—55.0 kg (89—121 lb), while females weigh 44.5—63.9 kg (98—141 lb). Spotted hyenas in Zambia tend to be heavier, with males weighing on average 67.6 kg (149 lb), and females 69.2 kg (153 lb).Exceptionally large weights of 81.7 kg (180 lb)and 86 kg (190 lb)are known. It has been estimated that adult members of the now extinct Eurasian populations weighed 102 kg (225 lbs).
The spotted hyena is the most carnivorous member of the Hyaenidae,and though it most often hunts its own prey, it is better equipped for scavenging than other African predators; not only is it able to splinter and eat the largest ungulate bones, it is also able to digest them completely.
In Kenya's Masai Mara, 80% of the spotted hyena's prey consists of topi and Thomson's gazelle, save for during the four month period when zebra and wildebeest herds migrate to the area. Bushbuck, suni and buffalo are the dominant prey items in the Aberdare Mountains, while Grant's gazelle, gerenuk, sheep, goats and cattle are likely preyed upon in northern Kenya.
In an increasingly overpopulated Africa, hyenas and humans come into frequent contact. In fact, the Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania actually leave their dead to be consumed by hyenas. However, these intelligent and bold animals will raid food stores and crops and are blamed for many livestock and even some human deaths. In some areas they have been heavily hunted as destructive pests.
Spotted hyenas are the largest of three hyena species. Brown and striped hyenas are the other two. Although hyenas appear similar to dogs, they are actually more closely related to cats. They live throughout much of Africa and eastwards through Arabia to India. Spotted hyenas live together in large groups called clans that may include up 80 individuals and are led by females.
Spotted hyenas have good hearing and sharp eyesight at night. They are fast and can run for long distances without tiring. Packs work together effectively to isolate a herd animal, sometimes one that is ill or infirm, and pursue it to the death. The victors often squabble over the spoils, either among themselves or with other powerful animals like lions.
Fast Facts
- Type:
- Mammal Sources:www.nationalgeographic.com
- Diet:
- Omnivore www.wikipedia.com
- Average life span in the wild:
- Up to 25 years
- Size:
- Head and body, 34 to 59 in (86 to 150 cm); tail, 10 to 14 in (25 to 36 cm)
- Weight:
- 110 to 190 lbs (50 to 86 kg)
- Group name:
- Clan
- Size relative to a 6-ft (2-m) man:
