Striped Hyena
Hyaena hyaena
Conservation Status
VulnerableMammalia · Carnivora · Hyaenidae
About
The striped hyena is a species of hyena native to North and East Africa, the Middle East, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. It is the only extant species in the genus Hyaena. It is listed by the IUCN as near-threatened, as the global population is estimated to be under 10,000 mature individuals which continues to experience deliberate and incidental persecution along with a decrease in its prey base such that it may come close to meeting a continuing decline of 10% over the next three generations.
Fun Fact
Striped hyenas have massive jaw muscles that generate enough bite force to crack open large bones, and they cache food in shallow water to soften it before eating — a behavior rarely seen in other carnivores.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Arid scrublands and savannas
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
10-12 years
Threats
- Agricultural Conversion
- Overgrazing
- Poaching