Hyaena

Hyaena is a genus of carnivorous mammals in the family Hyaenidae. The genus currently contains a single living species, the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena). Other hyenas belong to genera Crocuta (spotted hyena), Parahyaena (brown hyena), and Proteles (aardwolf).

Striped hyenas are medium-sized, with a pale grey to tan coat and several black stripes along the flanks. They have long ears, a thick mane along the neck, and a bushy tail. They weigh roughly 15 to 30 kilograms and stand about 60 to 70 centimeters at the shoulder.

They are native to North and East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and parts of the Indian subcontinent, occupying deserts, dry scrublands, and savannas. They are generally shy and nocturnal, avoiding dense human settlements.

Striped hyenas are primarily scavengers, but they also hunt small vertebrates, insects, and eggs. They are mostly solitary or live in small family groups; they mark territory with scent and emit a range of calls, including yelps and whoops, to communicate.

Breeding is opportunistic, with litters of 2–4 cubs after a gestation of about three months. Cubs are born in dens and remain with the mother for several months. In the wild, lifespan is typically 12–15 years.

The striped hyena is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, with declines attributed to habitat loss, persecution, and depletion of prey. Conservation measures exist in some countries, but data on populations are limited.