Three Hyena Cubs And Mother At The Den (Crocuta crocuta)
Masai Mara National Reserve
Kenya
East Africa
A hyena mother with her three cubs was right out in the open as we were traveling along one of the roads.
Hyenas give birth in a communal den, however there is no communal care for the pups. Not even the fathers take a role in caring for the pups. Liter sizes in Hyenas are very small, consisting of 1-4 pups. Hyena pups are born with their eyes open and teeth!!
Hyenas live in clans. A clan, which is separated into packs, can contain up to 80 individuals!! Although Hyenas are also considered cooperative hunters, they are competitive in nature and will fight within the clan for food or dominance.
Female dominance within groups: The core of the clan is comprised of related females forming a hierarchy. In fact the instinctive desire for dominance is so strong in Hyenas that newborn pups will fight immediately after birth to gain dominance and right to food. It is estimated that 1 in 4 hyena pups die within the first month due to sibling fighting.
Hyenas are significantly more aggressive than African Wild Dogs. Hyenas have even been known to confront lions: not for food, but to fight. Hyenas are closer related to mongooses and cats.- Wikipedia
Three Hyena Cubs And Mother At The Den (Crocuta crocuta)
Masai Mara National Reserve
Kenya
East Africa
A hyena mother with her three cubs was right out in the open as we were traveling along one of the roads.
Hyenas give birth in a communal den, however there is no communal care for the pups. Not even the fathers take a role in caring for the pups. Liter sizes in Hyenas are very small, consisting of 1-4 pups. Hyena pups are born with their eyes open and teeth!!
Hyenas live in clans. A clan, which is separated into packs, can contain up to 80 individuals!! Although Hyenas are also considered cooperative hunters, they are competitive in nature and will fight within the clan for food or dominance.
Female dominance within groups: The core of the clan is comprised of related females forming a hierarchy. In fact the instinctive desire for dominance is so strong in Hyenas that newborn pups will fight immediately after birth to gain dominance and right to food. It is estimated that 1 in 4 hyena pups die within the first month due to sibling fighting.
Hyenas are significantly more aggressive than African Wild Dogs. Hyenas have even been known to confront lions: not for food, but to fight. Hyenas are closer related to mongooses and cats.- Wikipedia