What kind of animal is a hyena? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. This is an animal that lives widely from Africa to Asia. However, there are surprisingly many subspecies whose populations are not stable, and the reality is that many hyenas are designated as endangered species, so I will explain this.
What is a hyena? About basic status
Hyena is an animal that belongs to the Carnivora order, Hyenaidae. The body length is 1.3m and the weight is 62-70kg. In kanji, it is a maned dog, and its scientific name is Tamias. Although it looks similar to a dog, it is a member of the civet family. A list of basic information is below. Due to their large bodies, they tend to gather around meat and eat it in their daily lives. It is an animal that has a strong image as a villain.
| Japanese（和名） | ハイエナ |
| English（英名） | hyena |
| scientific name(学名) | Tamias |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Carnivora、 Hyaenidae 哺乳綱、食肉目、ハイエナ科 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（体長） | 1.3m |
| Weight（体重） | 62-70kg |
About classification
The following subspecies of hyena exist: The following is a quote from Wikipedia. Four species exist in nature, and there are not many major differences between them.
Crocuta crocuta
Spotted hyenas are carnivores classified in the genus Spotted Hyena, in the order Carnivora, family Hyena, class Mammalia. It lives on the African continent and its population is stable. Body length: 95-165cm. Tail length 25-36cm. Height: 70-90cm. Weight 40-86kg. It is a nocturnal animal that primarily lives in grasslands.
Hyaena hyaena
The striped hyena is a hyena that belongs to the genus Striped Hyena, family Hyena. Body length 100–120 cm, tail length 25–45 cm, weight 25–55 kg. They live from the African continent to the Middle East, and their population is stable. It is a nocturnal animal that primarily lives in grasslands.
Hyaena (Parahyaena) brunnea
The brown hyena is a carnivorous animal that belongs to the hyena family, genus Striped hyena. Body length: 110-140cm. Tail length 20 – 27cm. Height: 65-88cm. Weight 35 – 50kg. It lives on the African continent, and its population is decreasing, so it is designated as a near-threatened species. It is a nocturnal animal that primarily lives in grasslands.
Proteles cristatus
Aardwolf is also known as Aardwolf. Body length 55–80 cm, tail length 20–30 cm, body height 45–50 cm, weight 8–14 kg. It is a nocturnal animal that primarily lives in grasslands. The fur is gray, yellow-gray, yellow-brown, yellow-white, or reddish-brown, and there are differences from the above types.
About habitat
Hyenas are mainly found in South Africa and other African continents, but can also be found in the Middle East, India, and Nepal.
① Main Distribution Areas
Mainly in Africa
Wide area south of the Sahara Desert
Some species are also found in the
Middle East (Arabian Peninsula)
Around India
Habitat by Species
● Spotted Hyena (Most Famous)
Savannah
Grasslands
Semi-Desert
Open Forest
👉 Lives in the same areas as lions.
● Striped Hyena
Arid Zones
Rocky Mountains
Desert Areas
May be found near human settlements.
👉 Well-adapted to human habitations.
● Brown Hyena
Mountainous Zones
Savannah
Grasslands
👉 Tolerant of high altitudes.
● Aardwolf (Insect-eating Hyena)
Grasslands
Semi-Arid Zones
👉 Limited to areas with abundant termites.
② Environmental Characteristics
Mainly found in hot, dry regions
Can survive with little water
Rests in rock shelters or burrows during the day and is active at night
③ Nest (Roost)
Sometimes digs its own burrows
Often uses the burrows of other animals
Emphasis on safe places during the pupping period
④ Distance from humans
National parks and protected areas
Pastures
Near suburbs and villages
👉 Highly adaptable to their environment.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
Hyenas mainly live in savannas and desert areas, and are nocturnal, often resting in holes or crevices between rocks during the day. Bones in their burrows are often an emergency food, and they often survive by eating bones. The tooth row consists of 3 pairs of upper and lower incisors, 1 pair of upper and lower canines, 4 pairs of upper and lower premolars, and 1 pair of upper and lower molars, for a total of 34 teeth. They have the ability to chew up bones that other carnivores leave behind and digest and absorb organic components. The number of toes is 4 on both the front and back legs.
① Physical Characteristics
Unique body shape with long front legs and short hind legs
Slanted back
Thick jaws and necks, large heads
Some species have mane-like fur
👉 Unique and impressive walking style
② Incredible jaw strength
Strongest bite force among mammals
Can crush even thick bones
Eats bones, skin, and horns
👉 “Scavengers who eat even bones.”
③ Actually, excellent hunters
Though often thought of as scavengers,
they have a high success rate in hunting
They can target large prey through teamwork
High stamina and excel at long-distance tracking
④ Extremely intelligent
Excellent problem-solving skills
Remembers relationships among peers
Quick situational assessment
👉 Intelligence said to be on par with that of primates
⑤ Highly social (especially spotted hyenas)
Living in large groups (clans)
Matriarchal society in which females outnumber males
Strict hierarchical hierarchy
👉 A unique social structure, even in the animal kingdom.
⑥ Vocalization and Communication
Sounds like laughter (actually alarm or excitement)
Various vocalizations, including growls and screams
Frequently use scent marking
⑦ Differences by species
Spotted hyena: Largest and most social
Striped hyena: Often solitary
Brown hyena: Medium-sized
Aardwolf: Insectivorous (specializing in termites)
What is your personality like?
Hyenas are highly social animals and live in groups. Perhaps because of this, they are very disciplined creatures. The leader of a hyena group is often a female.
① Highly intelligent
Quickly assesses situations
Understands the positions and power dynamics of others
Knows when to back off or when to go for it
👉 Calculating rather than reckless.
② Bold and assertive in groups
Will stand up to lions when outnumbered
Works in cooperation with others
May brazenly steal prey
👉 Uses group tactics against stronger predators.
③ Cautious when alone
Retreats immediately if they sense danger
Doesn’t attempt unreasonable challenges
Doesn’t often pursue prey relentlessly
👉 Survival is their number one priority.
④ Highly social (spotted hyena)
Strict hierarchical relationships
Females are more dominant than males
Children also learn hierarchy as they grow
👉 Emphasizes social rules.
⑤ Do they have a bad temper?
Becomes aggressive when excited.
Fights are often resolved by vocalization or intimidation.
Avoids pointless combat.
👉 More realistic than aggressive.
⑥ Coexistence of curiosity and caution.
Shows interest in new things.
Always waits before approaching.
Closely observes humans.
⑦ Sex differences among species.
Spotted hyena: Bold and sociable.
Striped hyena: Cautious and solitary.
Brown hyena: Relatively docile.
Aardwolf: Timid and gentle.
What is the ecology like?
Hyenas often steal prey or scavenge for the carcasses of other animals, but they also hunt. Basically, they hunt in packs, and the success rate of hunting is 60-70%. Their staple food is large mammals such as zebras, insects such as termites, and birds. They breed on average after a 4-month gestation period, giving birth to two offspring at a time. They have a long lifespan of around 20 years, and some have lived up to 40 years in captivity.
① Activity Period
Mainly nocturnal
Active from dusk to dawn
Rest in dens or under rocks during the day
👉 A rational lifestyle to avoid the heat.
② Social Structure (especially spotted hyenas)
Live in groups called clans
(Can range from 10 to 80 or more individuals)
Matriarchal society
Strict hierarchy
Divided responsibilities for hunting, raising children, and defense
👉 Highly organized
③ Diet
Exclusively carnivorous, but with a wide range of uses
Highly likely to hunt for themselves
Uses carrion without waste
Eats bones, skin, and organs
👉 “Cleaners” of the savanna
④ Hunting Method
Tiring out prey through long-distance runs
Working together as a herd to surround them
Also targets large herbivores (wild primates and zebras)
⑤ Breeding and Rearing
Breeding possible year-round (regional differences apply)
Gestation Period: Approximately 110 days
Large Number of Pups: 1-3
Raising is primarily the mother’s responsibility
Young animals learn hierarchical relationships as they grow
⑥ Nest (Roost)
Uses underground burrows
May reuse the burrows of other animals
The birthing and rearing periods are particularly important
⑦ Lifespan
Wild: Approximately 12-20 years
Captive: Can live for more than 20 years
Are there any natural enemies?
The hyena’s enemy is the lion. Because lions and hyenas live in overlapping habitats, they often become rivals and compete for prey. If you invade a lion’s territory, you may be preyed upon.
About Hyena Cubs
Hyena cubs are babies who are thrown into a competitive world from the moment they are born, and they grow up in a very harsh environment.
They may look cute, but their behavior is very harsh.
① Immediately after birth
They are born with their eyes open (rare)
They already have teeth
They have fur and are mobile
They also exhibit aggressive behavior
👉 They are at a highly mature stage as carnivores.
② Intense competition between siblings
1-3 siblings in a litter
Siblings fight fiercely
They fight over food and milk
Weaker individuals may even lose their lives
👉 This is “natural selection.”
③ Life in the den
They grow in the den for the first few months
The mother is responsible for nursing and defense
Other adults are not very involved
④ Growth characteristics
Growth is relatively slow
Breast milk is highly nutritious
They take about a year or more to wean (a very long time)
👉 Unusual among carnivores.
⑤ Social learning period
Once they start leaving the den
Learn hierarchy
Threat
Communication
Even among young animals, hierarchical relationships are formed
⑥ Differences between females and males
Female young are more likely to be dominant
Mother’s status directly affects their young
Bloodline is important for social status
⑦ Until independence
It takes several years for them to become fully independent
Grow as part of a pack
Males often leave the pack after adulthood
Are hyenas an endangered species?
As explained above, there are subspecies of hyena that are designated as endangered species. The impact of extermination as a pest and predation by dogs is increasing, and some subspecies are even listed in the Washington Convention.
● Spotted Hyena
Rating: LC (Least Concern)
Relatively stable population
Widely distributed throughout Africa
👉 This is the most well-known hyena and is not at risk of extinction.
● Brown Hyena
Rating: NT (Near Threatened)
Limited habitat and small population
Frequent conflict with humans
👉 Potential for increased risk in the future.
● Striped Hyena
Rating: NT (Near Threatened)
Distributed from Africa to the Middle East to India
Decreasing due to development and persecution
👉 “One step away from the danger zone.”
● Aardwolf
Rating: LC (Least Concern)
Specializes in termites and is less likely to compete with humans
Relatively stable
Why are some species declining?
Habitat destruction and fragmentation
Extermination due to livestock damage
Persecution due to superstition and misunderstanding
Traffic accidents
👉 Their “bad image” can also be a direct cause.
Can hyenas be kept as pets?
Hyenas are not suitable for keeping as pets. This is because it is extremely dangerous as it often causes harm to people and livestock. Therefore, it is not recommended for amateurs.
① Legal Issues (in Japan)
Hyenas are dangerous animals and large carnivores.
Keeping them in private homes is generally prohibited or extremely strict under the Animal Welfare and Management Act
Prefectural ordinances
Keeping them is permitted only in licensed facilities such as zoos and research facilities.
② Safety Issues
They have extremely strong jaws (they can crush bones).
Adults weigh over 30-80kg.
They are highly intelligent and tend to test people.
A serious bite can be life-threatening.
👉 Even young animals are not considered safe.
③ Personality and Instinct Issues
They are social, but not suited to human society.
They have a strong territorial instinct.
When they see prey, their instincts take over.
They often exhibit behaviors that cannot be controlled through training.
👉 They cannot be treated like dogs or cats.
④ Breeding Environment Issues
Large exercise space required
Strong cages with double doors are essential
Loud noise (crying)
Extremely expensive food and care costs
👉 Physically impossible for an average household.
⑤ What about overseas?
Illegal breeding exists in some countries.
Frequent behavioral problems, accidents, and euthanasia.
Strongly condemned from an animal welfare perspective.
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