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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.
Hyenas vary widely in diet, as well as range and habitat. Aardwolves are widely insectivores, and feed largely on termites. Spotted hyenas are primarily predators, and will catch and eat their own prey. Brown and striped hyenas are mainly scavengers, and will eat carcasses in various stages of decomposition.
Apr 26, 2024 · Hyena are one of the most misunderstood and under-appreciated species in the animal kingdom. Read 10 amazing facts about spotted hyena from our Wild Tomorrow South Africa Board member and hyena expert, a.k.a. “hyena man”, Axel Hunnicutt.
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.
The spotted hyena is a highly successful animal, being the most common large carnivore in Africa. Its success is due in part to its adaptability and opportunism; it is primarily a hunter but may also scavenge, with the capacity to eat and digest skin, bone and other animal waste.
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.
Hyaenas (sometimes Hyenas) are mammals. They are the family Hyaenidae, in the order Carnivora. They live in Africa, and in west and south Asia. In the past they had a much wider distribution. Now there are two subfamilies with four species.
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.
