Spotted Hyena - LR9A1950
Hyenas are famous for their scavenging abilities, but the Spotted Hyena is in fact a strong hunter too. Also known as the “laughing hyena”, Spotted Hyenas hold a bite so powerful that it can crush a giraffe’s bones!
The Spotted Hyena is the largest of the hyena family which also includes the brown hyena, the striped hyena, and the aardwolf. They have an unusual appearance due to their long powerful neck, uneven leg length (front legs are longer), and short thick yellow-grey fur which is covered in a spot pattern. A short mane of hair stands upright on the Spotted Hyenas back, creating a “Mohican” hairstyle for the hunter!
No! Every Spotted Hyena has a different set of spots, and this variety of patterns allows individuals to be recognised easily.
Spotted Hyenas can be found in a range of habitats within Sub-Saharan Africa. From semi-desert and savannah to woodlands and mountains, these strong mammals can survive as high up as 4100m! Currently, the largest populations lie within the Serengeti (Tanzania and Kenya) and the Kruger National Park (South Africa).
Unlike other mammals, the Spotted Hyena does not use a den for resting. Instead, they make use of shaded holes and pools during the day, and splash around in water holes to cool down!
As a predator, the Spotted Hyena eats the most meat out of all the hyena species. An average meal for these patterned creatures can include up to 14.5kg of meat! Typical prey consists of wildebeest, zebra and various antelope species, although if living near livestock they are known to steal a sheep or two! When scavenging, Spotted Hyenas can eat larger animals such as giraffes and elephants, and can even fully digest their bones.
Spotted Hyenas have been found to hunt and catch fish, tortoises and pythons in order to survive! It seems this intelligent species can escape hunger in many ways. Evolution has also allowed the Spotted Hyena to be very efficient in its water use, which is perfect for desert-living individuals!
The main rival for the Spotted Hyena is the lion as they live in similar habitats with similar prey choice. Often the Spotted Hyena can do all the hard work that leads up to a kill, only to be approached by a hungry group of lions who steal it away! Fights can break out in this situation, so Spotted Hyenas need to be always alert. If working in a group, they are capable of scaring the lions away.
Spotted Hyena - LR9A1950
Hyenas are famous for their scavenging abilities, but the Spotted Hyena is in fact a strong hunter too. Also known as the “laughing hyena”, Spotted Hyenas hold a bite so powerful that it can crush a giraffe’s bones!
The Spotted Hyena is the largest of the hyena family which also includes the brown hyena, the striped hyena, and the aardwolf. They have an unusual appearance due to their long powerful neck, uneven leg length (front legs are longer), and short thick yellow-grey fur which is covered in a spot pattern. A short mane of hair stands upright on the Spotted Hyenas back, creating a “Mohican” hairstyle for the hunter!
No! Every Spotted Hyena has a different set of spots, and this variety of patterns allows individuals to be recognised easily.
Spotted Hyenas can be found in a range of habitats within Sub-Saharan Africa. From semi-desert and savannah to woodlands and mountains, these strong mammals can survive as high up as 4100m! Currently, the largest populations lie within the Serengeti (Tanzania and Kenya) and the Kruger National Park (South Africa).
Unlike other mammals, the Spotted Hyena does not use a den for resting. Instead, they make use of shaded holes and pools during the day, and splash around in water holes to cool down!
As a predator, the Spotted Hyena eats the most meat out of all the hyena species. An average meal for these patterned creatures can include up to 14.5kg of meat! Typical prey consists of wildebeest, zebra and various antelope species, although if living near livestock they are known to steal a sheep or two! When scavenging, Spotted Hyenas can eat larger animals such as giraffes and elephants, and can even fully digest their bones.
Spotted Hyenas have been found to hunt and catch fish, tortoises and pythons in order to survive! It seems this intelligent species can escape hunger in many ways. Evolution has also allowed the Spotted Hyena to be very efficient in its water use, which is perfect for desert-living individuals!
The main rival for the Spotted Hyena is the lion as they live in similar habitats with similar prey choice. Often the Spotted Hyena can do all the hard work that leads up to a kill, only to be approached by a hungry group of lions who steal it away! Fights can break out in this situation, so Spotted Hyenas need to be always alert. If working in a group, they are capable of scaring the lions away.