The striped hyena is a very intelligent and cunning animal. 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 about the striped hyena? What makes it different from other predators? And why is it considered one of the most useful animals in wild Africa?
Habitat of the striped hyena
These animals love a hot climate, and therefore live only in warm countries. Wild Africa is considered to be the native home of these predators. Hyenas feel very comfortable here, 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.
Also, the striped hyena is 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 theseanimals can be found on the territory of Eastern Georgia. There is also evidence that striped predators have been seen in Azerbaijan, as well as in the southern regions of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Appearance
First you need to understand one important thing: striped and spotted hyena are 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 a rather large predator. The length of his body on average ranges from 80-120 cm, but there are individuals even more. At the same time, the weight varies from 35 to 55 kilograms, which makes them very dangerous opponents. As for the height of the striped hyena, on average it is 70 cm, plus or minus 10 cm.
Often the coat of this beast is light gray or gray-brown. At the same time, dark vertical stripes go 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 even more on the mane - 20-22 cm.
The front limbs of this predator are longer than the hind limbs. Because of this, his back is much lower than his shoulders. The head is large, the nose and front of the neck are painted in a dark color. The jaw of a hyena is massive and is its most formidableweapons. It should also be noted that female hyenas are slightly smaller than males.
Diet of wild hyenas
The striped hyena is a carrion predator. Therefore, he spends most of his time looking for dead animals. At the same time, he does not particularly care at what stage of decomposition the found corpse is. Moreover, the hyena will even eat bare bones that have lain for more than one week under the scorching sun with great pleasure.
In any case, do not forget that the hyena is still a predator. And therefore, hunting for living beings is also included in her everyday plans. It often hunts down small game such as reptiles, rodents and birds. However, larger animals can become its victims, especially if they are not able to fight back.
Insects and fruits are also on the menu of striped hyenas. After all, it is in them that they find those microelements and vitamins that are so necessary for normal growth.
Hyena world
The striped hyena is considered to be a loner, as it is not strongly attached to its family and can easily do without it. However, this does not mean that she always lives on her own. 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 violates. At the same time, the eldest female always becomes the head of the family, and all the rest dutifully listen to her. Older hyenas help the younger ones hunt. If the offspring is still very small and cannot independently catch game, thenolder siblings bring food to their lair.
Hyenas use small caves or abandoned burrows as their homes. At the same time, they always mark their territory in order to make it clear to others that this place is already taken. Hyenas rarely fight for land, unless hunger forces them to do so.
It should also be noted that the spotted hyena always dominates the striped hyena. So if it happens that their paths cross, the latter dutifully walks away.
Basics of hunting and foraging
Hyenas love to hunt at night, as they navigate well in the dark. They approach the choice of prey with caution, especially if it is larger than them. Often, as the main target, they choose a sick or old animal, less often - cubs. But these predators are unlikely to dare to attack he althy and huge individuals.
As for carrion, the hyena can smell its smell at a very long 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 is a favorite dish of hyenas.
It also happens that these striped beasts accompany packs of other predators. For example, there are many cases when hyenas followed on the heels of lions. And they did it in order to eat up those leftovers that formidable cats throw after themselves.
Hyena breeding
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 southern regions can breedseveral 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 frolicking merrily near 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, in males it occurs at 2 years of age, 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.
Hyena Enemies
In African lands, leopards and cheetahs pose the greatest danger to hyenas. These predators can easily knock down even an adult animal, 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 fierce enemy of hyenas is the tiger. He lies in wait for them and attacks from an ambush, depriving even the slightest chance of salvation. But Asian striped hyenas often have to endure harassment from gray wolves. The reason for this is the hunting grounds that both sides do not want to share between them.
The benefits and harms that hyenas bring
If we talk about the danger that this beast poses to people, then it is insignificant. Hyenas rarely attack humans, as they consider this prey to be too strong. However, they may occasionally prey on livestock, especially if the paddocks are on their territory. Also, striped beasts can ruin the beds, having eaten half the crop, for which they then get pretty much from angry farmers.
As for the benefits, hyenas, like wolves, are orderly animals. By eating carrion and household garbage, they reduce the risk of an epidemic on Earth. They also kill sick and old animals, thereby improving the gene pool of this species.
