Hyena

 



The Hyena is one of Africa's most efficient predators. This large carnivore has Africa's strongest jaw and is commonly known to chase Lions away from kills and up trees. There are three subspecies: the Spotted Hyena, (Crocuta crocuta), with a reddish coat and oval spots, the Striped Hyena, (Hyaena hyaena), with a shaggy, black-striped grey coat, and the Brown Hyena, (Hyaena brunnea) with a shaggy, dark brown coat and light-coloured mantle. Hyenas stand about 28 inches (71 cm) at the shoulder and weigh 70 to 185 lbs (30-80 kg), depending on the subspecies.

   
 
Spotted Hyenas are found widely throughout sub-Saharan Africa, less widely in southern Africa. Striped Hyenas are found in arid habitats from central Tanzania northward throughout the Sahara and Sahel and also into Arabia and the Middle East. Brown hyenas are found in scattered northern parts of Southern Africa.



Spotted Hyenas, actively hunt animals the size of antelopes, zebra, wildebeest, and buffalo, and also occasionally scavenge. Striped Hyenas take a variety of animals and also browse on plant materials. Brown Hyenas take smaller prey, such as birds and reptiles, and also feed on plant materials.



Spotted Hyenas are chiefly nocturnal and are the most vocal of Hyenas. Their eerie laugh, a whooping call, are a memorable sound in the African night. They are aggressive hunters, especially of hoofed mammals. Striped and Brown Hyenas are also nocturnal, less vocal, and are usually seen singly or in pairs.



Below is the Hyaena picture gallery. Click on the 'next' or 'back' button to navigate through the pictures.





   
 
Game Drives & Safaris

Find out more about our game drives and view Hyaenas up close in their natural environment.