The Spotted Hyena
The Spotted Hyena is a large carnivorous mammal that belongs to the family Hyaenidae and is commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is easily recognized by its unique appearance, characterized by a robust build, rounded ears, and powerful jaws. The fur of the Spotted Hyena is short and coarse, with a pattern of irregular spots covering its body, giving it its name. Despite being known for scavenging, it is a skilled hunter with excellent stamina and can reach speeds of up to 37 mph 60 km/h when pursuing prey. It has a complex social structure, living in large matriarchal clans with a dominant female.
| Spotted Hyena | |
|---|---|
| Size | 28-35 inches (71-89 cm) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 88-190 lbs (40-86 kg) |
| Speed | Speed: 37 mph (60 km/hr) |
| Key Strength | Bite force |
| Biggest Weakness | Endurance |
| Scientific Name | Crocuta crocuta |
| Family | Hyaenidae |
| Habitat | Savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and forest edges |
| Geography | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Diet | Carnivorous, scavenger |
| Lifespan | 10 years - 25 years |
The Spotted Hyena
The Spotted Hyena is a large carnivorous mammal that belongs to the family Hyaenidae and is commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is easily recognized by its unique appearance, characterized by a robust build, rounded ears, and powerful jaws. The fur of the Spotted Hyena is short and coarse, with a pattern of irregular spots covering its body, giving it its name. Despite being known for scavenging, it is a skilled hunter with excellent stamina and can reach speeds of up to 37 mph 60 km/h when pursuing prey. It has a complex social structure, living in large matriarchal clans with a dominant female.
Fun Fact: A unique characteristic of the Spotted Hyena is its high-pitched "laughing" vocalization, which can be heard up to three miles away and is often associated with its communication and social interactions within the pack.
| Spotted Hyena | |
|---|---|
| Size | 28-35 inches (71-89 cm) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 88-190 lbs (40-86 kg) |
| Speed | Speed: 37 mph (60 km/hr) |
| Key Strength | Bite force |
| Biggest Weakness | Endurance |
| Scientific Name | Crocuta crocuta |
| Family | Hyaenidae |
| Habitat | Savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and forest edges |
| Geography | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Diet | Carnivorous, scavenger |
| Lifespan | 10 years - 25 years |
Match Highlights
Spotted Hyena Matchups
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Create Your Own MatchupSpotted Hyena: Diet, Predators, Aggression, and Defensive Behaviors
What do Spotted Hyenas eat?
Spotted Hyenas have a varied and opportunistic diet, which includes carrion, small to medium-sized mammals, birds, reptiles, and even insects. They are also known to scavenge from lion kills and will sometimes hunt in packs to take down larger prey like wildebeest or zebra.
Do Spotted Hyenas have any predators?
Spotted Hyenas are apex predators in their ecosystem and usually do not have any natural predators. However, lions have been known to compete with hyenas for food and water sources and will sometimes kill hyenas if they come into direct conflict.
Are Spotted Hyenas aggressive?
Spotted Hyenas have a reputation for being aggressive and dominant animals, especially within their own clan. They often engage in aggressive behaviors such as vocalizations, scent-marking, and physical confrontations to establish dominance hierarchies within their social groups.
Do Spotted Hyenas fight?
Spotted Hyenas are known for their competitive and sometimes violent interactions, both within their clan and with other species. They will often fight over food, territory, or mating rights, using their powerful jaws and sharp teeth to defend themselves or assert dominance.
How do Spotted Hyenas defend themselves?
Spotted Hyenas have several adaptations for self-defense, including their powerful jaws and teeth, which are capable of crushing bone and tearing through tough hides. They also have sharp claws and a strong build, allowing them to fight off potential threats and predators.
What is the biggest weakness of Spotted Hyenas in a fight?
Despite their formidable strength and aggression, Spotted Hyenas have relatively low stamina compared to some other predators. This means that they may struggle in prolonged fights or when facing multiple opponents, making their endurance a potential weakness in combat situations.
Fun Fact: Spotted Hyenas have one of the most potent bite forces among mammals, exerting around 1,100 pounds per square inch PSI, which enables them to crush bones and consume almost all parts of their prey, including hooves and horns.
Fun Fact: Contrary to popular belief, the Spotted Hyena is a formidable predator, responsible for around 70-95% of its food through hunting rather than scavenging, making them one of Africa's most successful hunters and key ecosystem regulators.
