Monday, June 19, 2017

Spotted Hyena

Species: Spotted Hyena
Habitat: African plains
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: Kilimanjaro Safari

The spotted hyena is also commonly called the laughing hyena, and you can probably guess why. It is the largest of all hyenas who as a family of carnivores are more closely related to bears than dogs. It is believed the hyena as a family of species originated in Asia, and according to prehistoric cave paintings, were found throughout Europe, as well. 


The hyena is one of the most adaptable carnivores on Earth. They also make the most use of their food, with powerful teeth allowing them to eat even bone. They will eat almost anything, hunting and foraging and even in some parts of Africa, garbage from city streets. As such, they are plentiful throughout their range.

They are also one of the most social animals. Their society is matriarchal, with females being larger. Females also have a pseudo-penis.  The society of a pack is extremely complex. Some groups can have as many as 80 members (though that is extremely rare). Larger groups split up into smaller groups for hunting within the territory. Dominance is not often related to size, but with alliances. Despite this, overthrows of matriarchs and infighting is unusual.


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