The spotted hyena is a large carnivore native to sub-Saharan Africa, the largest of the hyena species and one of Africa's most effective large predators, recognized by its sloped back, rounded ears, coat covered in dark spots, and unusually powerful jaws capable of crushing bone. Contrary to its popular image as a mere scavenger, the spotted hyena is an accomplished hunter that kills a large share of its own food, often in coordinated group hunts, and it lives in complex, female-dominated social groups called clans that can include dozens of individuals. Spotted hyenas communicate through an extensive range of vocalizations, including the distinctive whooping call and the high-pitched giggle-like sound from which they get their alternate name of laughing hyena. The species remains widespread and is classified as being of least concern.
Facts
Classification
DietDetritivore or Scavenger 1 System (Realm) Relationship to People Living or ExtinctDerived from this species' own Conservation Status: this atlas's IUCN category list has no Extinct value, so a set conservation-status is itself evidence of living status (w-bfill-g5-0924 browse backfill). Disputed
Population EstimateThe IUCN gives a range of 27,000 to 47,000 individuals rather than a single census figure; this atlas records the lower, more conservative bound rather than a false precise midpoint, following the same convention used for African Elephant, Blue Whale and Gray Wolf on this atlas. Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceThe largest living hyena, with a vaguely bear-like build, rounded ears, a spotted coat, powerful bone-crushing jaws, and, uniquely among placental mammals, females with a pseudo-penis and no external vaginal opening. 1 Scientific Name Conservation Status Connections
In the Other Atlases
- Also in Geography Atlas: Africa, found in there.
- Also in Geography Atlas: Botswana, found in there.
- Also in Geography Atlas: Eswatini, found in there.
- Also in Geography Atlas: Mozambique, found in there.
- Also in Geography Atlas: Namibia, found in there.
- Also in Geography Atlas: Zimbabwe, found in there.
Sources
1. Spotted Hyena (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationLead paragraph, sentence 1
The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), also known as the laughing hyena, is a hyena species, currently classed as the sole extant member of the genus Crocuta, native to sub-Saharan Africa.
Lead paragraph, sentence 2
It is listed as being of least concern by the IUCN due to its widespread range and large numbers estimated between 27,000 and 47,000 individuals.
Lead paragraph, sentence 4
The spotted hyena is the largest extant member of the Hyaenidae, and is further physically distinguished from other species by its vaguely bear-like build, rounded ears, less prominent mane, spotted pelt, more dual-purposed dentition, fewer nipples, and pseudo-penis.
Lead section
experiencing declines outside of protected areas due to habitat loss and poaching
system (entity description states it plainly, diet)
Contrary to its popular image as a mere scavenger, the spotted hyena is an accomplished hunter that kills a large share of its own food, often in coordinated group hunts, and it lives in complex, female-dominated social groups called clans that can include dozens of individuals.
View the Source 2. Spotted Hyena (Wikipedia)
3. GBIF Species API
Wikidata: Spotted Hyena
Wikidata Q178089, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the Source Catalogue of Life
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of LifeChild Taxon Of: HyaenidaeView the Source Reader Challenges (0)
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