Spotted hyenas
Although known as scavengers, spotted hyenas are skilled hunters that catch most of their own food. They live in complex groups led by females and are known for their "laughing" calls.
- Lunghezza
- 1–1,7 m
- Peso
- 40–86 kg
- Longevità in natura
- 12–25 anni
- Stato di conservazione (IUCN)
- Minor preoccupazione (LC)
Valori indicativi per gli adulti; variano in base a sesso, sottospecie e popolazione.
In breve
I dati principali su Iene macchiate.
- Where does it live?It lives in the savannas, grasslands, semi-deserts and mountains of Africa south of the Sahara.
- What does it eat?It is a carnivore that hunts most of its own prey in groups, mainly herbivores such as antelopes and zebras.
- Behaviour and social lifeSpotted hyenas live in groups called clans that can number dozens of individuals.
- CubsThe female usually has 1–2 cubs in a communal den.
Approfondimento
In breve
- The spotted hyena hunts most of its own food; it is not just a scavenger.
- Females are larger than males, and females lead the group.
- With very powerful jaws, it can crack and digest bones.
- Its "laughing" calls signal excitement and tension.
- The IUCN lists it as Least Concern.
The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) is the largest of the hyenas. It is recognisable by its sloping back, strong neck and spotted coat. Although it looks dog-like, it belongs to a group more closely related to cats.
Where does it live?
It lives in the savannas, grasslands, semi-deserts and mountains of Africa south of the Sahara.
What does it eat?
It is a carnivore that hunts most of its own prey in groups, mainly herbivores such as antelopes and zebras. When it gets the chance, it also steals kills from other predators and eats carrion. Its strong jaws and teeth crack bones, and its digestive system can even digest bone.
Behaviour and social life
Spotted hyenas live in groups called clans that can number dozens of individuals. Females dominate clans; even the lowest-ranking female usually outranks males. Rank is often passed from mother to offspring. They have a rich vocal repertoire of whoops, growls and the famous "laugh".
Cubs
The female usually has 1–2 cubs in a communal den. Unlike other carnivores, the cubs are born with their eyes open and their teeth already in. Mothers may nurse their cubs for a long time, more than a year.
Conservation status
The spotted hyena is listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List. Outside protected areas, however, its numbers are falling because of conflict with people, poisoning, snares and habitat loss.
Fun facts
- A hyena's "laugh" is not joy but usually a sign of excitement or tension.
- Because they digest bone, their droppings can be whitish from calcium.
- Spotted hyenas are intelligent, cooperative hunters with a high success rate.
Animali simili
Altri animali dello stesso gruppo.
Rispetto per la natura, domani più forti
Proteggere la fauna selvatica è responsabilità di tutti.
Se trovi un animale selvatico ferito o un cucciolo, non toccarlo e avvisa l'ente locale per la tutela della natura. Più conoscenza, più consapevolezza.
- Rispetta gli habitat naturali
- Osserva gli animali da lontano
- Non lasciare rifiuti nella natura
- Sostieni un futuro sostenibile
