Nature Atlas

How Nature Works
Sign In
Text size
100%
Theme

Switch Atlas

Specy

Spotted Hyena

Mammals

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
Diet
Detritivore or Scavenger 1
System (Realm)
Terrestrial 2
Relationship to People
Hunted or Fished 1
Living or Extinct
Yes 3
Derived 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.
Comparison
CITES Appendix
Not Listed 4
Disputed
Population Estimate
27,000 1
The 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 Appearance
The 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
Crocuta crocuta 1
Conservation Status
Least Concern 1
Connections

Child Taxon Of

Hyaenidae, Taxa
Source Catalogue of Life

In Biome

Desert, Biomes
Source Spotted Hyena (Wikipedia)
River, Biomes
Source Spotted Hyena (Wikipedia)
Savanna, Biomes
Source Spotted Hyena (Wikipedia)

In Ecosystem

Kruger National Park, Ecosystems
Source Spotted Hyena (Wikipedia)
Namib Desert, Ecosystems
Source Spotted Hyena (Wikipedia)
Serengeti, Ecosystems
Source Spotted Hyena (Wikipedia)
In the Other Atlases

Found In

Africa

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Botswana

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Eswatini

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Mozambique

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Namibia

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Zimbabwe

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Sources
1. Spotted Hyena (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia Foundation
  • Lead 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.
  • In Ecosystem: Serengeti, Dimensions
    Adult male spotted hyenas in the Serengeti weigh 40.5-55.0 kg (89.3-121.3 lb), while females weigh 44.5-63.9 kg (98-141 lb).
  • In Ecosystem: Kruger National Park, Diet
    In Kruger National Park, blue wildebeest, cape buffalo, plains zebra, greater kudu and impala are the spotted hyena's most important prey, while giraffe, impala, wildebeest and zebra are its major food sources in the nearby Timbavati area.
  • In Ecosystem: Namib Desert, Range, habitat and population
    In the Namib Desert, it occurs in riverine growth along seasonal rivers, the sub-desertic pro-Namib and the adjoining inland plateau.
  • In Biome: Savanna, Range, habitat and population
    The species dwells in semi-deserts, savannah, open woodland, dense dry woodland, and mountainous forests up to 4,000 m in altitude.
  • In Biome: Desert, Range, habitat and population
    In the Namib Desert, it occurs in riverine growth along seasonal rivers, the sub-desertic pro-Namib and the adjoining inland plateau.
  • In Biome: River, Range, habitat and population
    In the Namib Desert, it occurs in riverine growth along seasonal rivers, the sub-desertic pro-Namib and the adjoining inland plateau.
View the Source
2. Spotted Hyena (Wikipedia)
native to sub-Saharan AfricaView the Source
3. GBIF Species API
GBIF Species APIView the Source
4. Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Crocuta crocuta (Animal Diversity Web)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyConservation Status: CITES
Quote, Conservation Status: CITES
CITES No special status
View the Source
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
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share a thought.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.