 |
Mammals: Spotted Hyena
|
|
|
|
The spotted or "laughing" hyena is the largest member of the Hyaenidae (hyena) family that includes three other species: the aardwolf, the striped hyena and the brown hyena.
The spotted hyena ranges in length from 37 to 65 inches, stands from 27 to 36 inches tall, and weighs between 88 and 189 pounds with females being about five inches longer and 16 pounds heavier than the males.
Hyenas have a large head, a strong, well-developed neck and forequarters and small hindquarters. They are yellowish-gray in color with dark brown or black round markings over the body.
The spotted hyena has incredibly powerful jaws that are capable of crushing bones.
The spotted hyena is found throughout Africa, south of the Sahara Desert, except in rain forests and extreme desert conditions.
Once considered scavengers, the spotted hyena is now regarded primarily as a hunter. They hunt for wildebeest, gazelles, zebra, rhino calves, and a large number of different species of ungulates (hoofed mammals).
Spotted hyenas live in large social groups called clans that may include up to 70 members. The clan is under the leadership of a dominant female.
Female and male hyenas possess such similar looking external genitalia that it makes it practically impossible to distinguish one from the other in the field.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
The name "laughing" hyena comes from the high cackling giggle the spotted hyena emits. This sound has nothing to do with humor and is only released when the hyena is being attacked or chased.
|
|
 |
|
