Spotted Hyenaブチハイエナ

Species Data

Classification

Carnivora / Hyaenidae Source

Distribution

The spotted hyena is found across most of sub-Saharan Africa, though it is absent from the Sahara Desert, the Congo Basin rainforest, and the southernmost tip of the continent. Source

Did You Know?

• Spotted hyenas are thought to use at least a dozen distinct vocalizations, and their laugh-like call is the source of the English nickname "laughing hyena." Source
• Females are larger than males, and clans of dozens of individuals are organized around a female-dominated hierarchy. Source
• Female spotted hyenas have an unusually enlarged, penis-like clitoris, a trait unique among placental mammals, which makes giving birth especially difficult and risky, particularly for first-time mothers. Source

FAQ

Do spotted hyenas hunt or just scavenge?

They are primarily hunters — more than half of their food comes from prey they kill themselves, particularly medium to large ungulates, though they will also scavenge carcasses. Source

Why are spotted hyenas called laughing hyenas?

They produce a distinctive, laugh-like vocalization among the roughly dozen different calls they use, which is the origin of the nickname. Source

Are female spotted hyenas dominant over males?

Yes, females are larger than males and clans are organized around a matriarchal hierarchy in which females hold the top ranks. Source