Where does the spotted hyena live?
The spotted hyena lives across all of sub-Saharan Africa, where it is widespread. Long ago, its relatives, known as cave hyenas, roamed Eurasia for at least a million years, until the end of the Late Pleistocene. It is the largest member of the hyena family. It is recognisable by its vaguely bear-like build, rounded ears, less prominent mane and spotted pelt.
What does the spotted hyena eat?
Contrary to popular belief, it is not just a scavenger: it has teeth with more than one purpose, and a proportionately large heart, close to 1% of its body weight, which gives it great endurance in long chases. It is the most social of the carnivores: it lives in large communities called clans, which can have up to 80 individuals. Its social organisation resembles that of baboons and macaques more than that of other carnivores.
Is the spotted hyena endangered?
No: the IUCN lists it as Least Concern, because it is widespread and numerous, with 27,000 to 47,000 individuals. But its numbers are declining outside protected areas, because of habitat loss and poaching.
