Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
Spotted hyena society is matriarchal; even the lowest-ranking female is dominant over the highest-ranking male.
- Scientific name
- Crocuta crocuta
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Mammalia › Carnivora › Hyaenidae › Crocuta
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- decreasing
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- Savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and montane forests up to 4,000m.
- Diet
- Carnivorous; hunts wildebeest, zebra, and antelope, but also scavenges carrion.
- Range
- Sub-Saharan Africa, Serengeti National Park, Kruger National Park, Etosha National Park
- Size
- Height: 70-90 cm at shoulder; Weight: 40-86 kg.
- Lifespan
- 12-20 years in the wild
- Active
- nocturnal
- Threats
- Habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, and persecution due to negative cultural stigmas.
- Safe to approach?
- Dangerous. Do not run, as it triggers their chase instinct. Stand your ground, look large, and shout. Maintain a distance of at least 50 meters. If they approach, back away slowly while facing them. Seek immediate medical help for any bites due to high bacterial risk.
The spotted hyena ( Crocuta crocuta ), also known as the laughing hyena , is a species of hyena, currently classed as the sole member of the genus Crocuta , native to Sub-Saharan Africa. It is listed as being of least concern by the IUCN on account of its widespread range and large numbers estimated between 27,000 and 47,000 individuals. The species is, however, experiencing declines outside of protected areas due to habitat loss and poaching. The species may have...
Photo: Liaka ac, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist
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