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Hyenas or hyaenas ( / haɪˈiːnəz / hi-EE-nəz; from Ancient Greek ὕαινα, hýaina) [1] are feliform carnivoran mammals belonging to the family Hyaenidae / haɪˈɛnɪdiː /. With just four extant species (each in its own genus ), it is the fourth-smallest family in the order Carnivora and one of the smallest in the class Mammalia. [2] .
A hyena is a prehistoric predator that has outlasted some of the most iconic monsters of the palaeolithic, survived the ice age, and was chasing humans out of caves for tens of thousands of years.
Animals Network Team. Hyenas are known for their famous laugh-like vocalizations. These dog-like predators are actually more closely related to cats, and are a uniquely small member of the carnivore family. There are just four living species of hyenas, and each is slightly different in appearance and behavior. Read on to learn about the hyena.
hyena, (family Hyaenidae), any of three species of coarse-furred, doglike carnivores found in Asia and Africa and noted for their scavenging habits. Hyenas have long forelegs and a powerful neck and shoulders for dismembering and carrying prey.
May 27, 2024 · Generally speaking, hyenas are four-legged animals with scraggly fur and large ears. Interestingly, they have both feline and canine features, and all sport manes. They also have downward-sloping spines, long front legs, and short hind legs.
Hyenas are carnivorous beasts found chiefly in Africa and are known for being scavengers. With only four living members of their genus existing in the present times, they are among the smallest family of mammals alive, the fifth smallest to be exact.
What are hyenas? The hyena (spelled “hyaena” in some parts of the world) is Africa’s most common large carnivore. There are three hyena species — spotted, brown, and striped. Spotted hyenas are the largest of the three. They are fairly large in build and have relatively short torsos with lower hindquarters, and sloping backs.
The spotted hyena is Africa's most successful predator—and one of its most misunderstood animals. But decades of cutting edge research is yielding greater understanding, respect, and protection.
Spotted hyenas are the largest of three hyena species. Brown and striped hyenas are the other two. Although hyenas appear similar to dogs, they are actually more closely related to cats.
A highly misunderstood animal, the Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) has the reputation of being cowardly and sly, but it is actually a fascinating and intelligent creature with a very interesting social system. It looks like a dog but is closer related to cats, civets, and genets.
