The striped hyena is a very intelligent and cunning beast. Thanks to her sharp mind, she managed to survive in the most adverse conditions. At the same time, she learned not only to hunt independently, but also to skillfully establish contact with other predators. And this is not all the advantages of this beast.
So, what else is remarkable for the striped hyena? What makes her different from other predators? And why is she considered one of the most useful animals of wild Africa?
Striped Hyena Habitat
These animals love the hot climate, and therefore live only in warm countries. Wild Africa is rightfully considered the home of these predators. Hyenas here feel very comfortable, and therefore there are a lot of them in this region. Especially in the eastern and northern parts of the Black Continent, in particular in Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia.
Striped hyena is also found in Mesopotamia, India, Pakistan, Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. What is true, here their population is much lower than in African countries.
As for the surrounding areas, small groups of these animals can be found in eastern Georgia. There is also evidence that striped predators were seen in Azerbaijan, as well as in the southern regions of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Appearance
To begin with, one important thing to understand: the striped and spotted hyena is not the same thing. These are two completely different species that differ both externally and socially. Looking ahead, we note that the spotted hyena has larger dimensions, it is much more aggressive than its closest relative.
So, the striped hyena is quite a large predator. The length of his body on average ranges from 80-120 cm, but there are individuals and more. In this case, the weight varies from 35 to 55 kilograms, which makes them very dangerous opponents. As for the growth of striped hyena, then on average it is 70 cm, plus or minus 10 cm.
Often, the hair of this beast is light gray or gray-brown. At the same time, dark vertical stripes run along the entire body of the hyena. Because of them, she got her Russian name “striped”. Also, this predator has a mane that starts at the base of the head and stretches to the very tail. It should be noted that with the advent of winter, the hair of hyenas becomes longer and thicker. Sometimes it can reach 7 cm, and on the mane even more - 20-22 cm.
The forelimbs of this predator are longer than the hind limbs. Because of this, its back is much lower than the shoulders. The head is large, the nose and the front of the neck are dark. The hyena's jaw is massive and is its most formidable weapon. It should also be noted that female hyenas are slightly smaller in size than males.
Wild hyenas diet
The striped hyena is a scavenger predator. Therefore, most of his time he spends in search of dead animals. However, he is not particularly worried about at what stage of decomposition the found corpse is. Moreover, a hyena with great pleasure will eat even bare bones that have lain for more than one week under the scorching sun.
In any case, do not forget that the hyena is still a predator. And therefore, the hunt for living beings is also included in its everyday plans. Often, she tracks small game, for example, reptiles, rodents and birds. However, larger animals can become its victims, especially if they are not able to repulse the hyena.
Insects and fruits are also on the striped hyenas menu. After all, it is in them that they find those trace elements and vitamins that are so necessary for normal growth.
Hyenas world
The striped hyena is considered to be a loner, as it does not become attached to its family and can easily do without it. However, this does not mean that she always lives herself. There are many cases when representatives of this species gathered in small flocks - from 2 to 6 individuals.
In each group there is a clear hierarchy that no one breaks. At the same time, the elder female always becomes the head of the family, and everyone else dutifully listens to her. Older hyenas help hunt younger ones. If the offspring is still very small and cannot independently catch game, then the older brothers and sisters bring them food in the den.
Small caves or abandoned burrows are used as hyenas' houses. Moreover, they always mark their territory in order to make it clear to others that this place is already taken. Hyenas rarely fight over land, unless hunger forces them to do so.
It should also be noted that the spotted hyena always dominates the striped. Therefore, if it happens that their paths intersect, the latter dutifully leaves.
The basics of hunting and getting food
Hyenas love to hunt at night, as they are well oriented in the dark. They approach the choice of the victim with caution, especially if it is larger than them. Often they choose a sick or old animal as their main goal, less often cubs. But on healthy and huge individuals, these predators are unlikely to dare to attack.
As for carrion, its hyena can smell at a very great distance. And after the beast determines where it comes from, it will immediately go there. After all, as mentioned earlier, the remains of the flesh are a favorite dish of hyenas.
It also happens that these striped beasts accompany flocks of other predators. For example, there are many cases where hyenas followed on the heels of lions. And they did it then in order to eat up the remains that menacing cats throw after themselves.
Breeding hyenas
The population of striped hyenas is quite large. This is due to the fact that this species quite often gives birth to offspring. For example, predators living in the southern regions can breed several times a year. The pregnancy itself lasts about 3 months.
On average, a female hyena gives birth to 2 to 4 cubs. Newborn babies are completely blind, and only after 7-8 days they begin to distinguish silhouettes. But a month later they are already having fun frolic around their lair, running and biting each other. Throughout the next year, the mother will dutifully feed her offspring. But then they will be forced to hunt with others or leave their home forever.
As for puberty, it occurs in males at 2 years old, and in females at 3 years of age. The life expectancy of striped hyenas is 12 years, however, sometimes they can live up to 23-25 years.
Enemies of the Hyena
In African lands, leopards and cheetahs are the most dangerous for hyenas. These predators can easily knock down even an adult beast, not to mention smaller individuals. In addition, sometimes hyenas can become a victim of a lion, if he takes them by surprise.
In Indonesia, the tiger is the fiercest enemy of hyenas. He watches over them and attacks from an ambush, depriving even the slightest chance of salvation. But Asian striped hyenas often have to endure oppression from gray wolves. The reason for this is hunting grounds, which both sides do not want to share among themselves.
