Striped Hyena
Scientific Name: Hyaena hyaena
Physical Features: The striped hyena has a robust build with strong jaws and long front legs, giving it a hunched appearance. It has grayish-brown fur with distinctive black stripes on its body and legs. A mane of long, coarse hair runs down its neck and back, which it can raise when threatened. Hyenas typically weigh between 25–40 kg (55–88 lbs) and have a body length of around 85–130 cm.
Habitat: Striped hyenas are found in arid and semi-arid environments, including grasslands, savannas, rocky scrublands, and deserts. In India, they are commonly found in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, as well as in parts of southern India.
Behavior: Striped hyenas are primarily nocturnal and are solitary or live in small family groups. They are scavengers, feeding on carrion, bones, and even plant matter when food is scarce. However, they can also hunt small mammals and birds. They have an excellent sense of smell, which helps them locate food over long distances.
Conservation Status: Near Threatened
Unique Traits: One unique trait of the striped hyena is its ability to digest bone. Their strong jaws and acidic stomach allow them to consume and break down bones, which provides essential nutrients like calcium. They also have a distinctive way of marking territory by defecating in prominent locations and using anal gland secretions.
Communication: Striped hyenas communicate through vocalizations, scent marking, and body language. They produce a range of sounds, from growls and howls to maniacal laughter-like calls. Scent marking is crucial for establishing territory and finding mates.
Breeding and Reproduction: Breeding occurs year-round, with peaks during the rainy season. After a gestation period of around 90–100 days, the female gives birth to 2–4 cubs in a den. Cubs are born with their eyes closed and depend on their mother for several months before venturing out on their own.
Ecological Importance: As scavengers, striped hyenas play a critical role in cleaning the ecosystem by consuming carrion and reducing the spread of disease. By feeding on dead animals, they prevent the buildup of carcasses, which could otherwise harbor dangerous pathogens.