Spotted hyena

Habitat

While some consider hyenas to be rather cowardly and stupid, others see them as cunning and evil. In any case, the spotted hyena is the largest hyena species in Africa and lives in a very interesting social structure with its conspecifics. These animals generally live in well-organized groups. They can be found throughout Africa, preferring savannas and avoiding deserts and dense forests. Hyenas are carnivores. They really eat everything from flies to elephants.

Bad Reputation of the Animals

The bad reputation of these animals also stems from the widespread opinion that they feed exclusively on carrion and challenge other hunters for their prey. However, large hyenas also hunt their own prey. African mammals and others are usually led by the male animals. Here, the hyena is a great exception. Spotted hyena clans are exclusively dominated by females. These females are also much more aggressive when it comes to hunting for food or protecting their own territory. Another major peculiarity is that the genitalia of the females are very similar to those of the males. Hyenas organize themselves into groups of up to a hundred animals.

Social Behavior

They live together in small families, like in a village community. Spotted hyenas are ready to mate all year round. However, the female decides when and with whom she wants to mate. To avoid inbreeding, the male cubs must leave the clan at a certain point. All the male hyenas living in the clan are, so to speak, immigrants. At first glance, hyenas may appear primitive and aggressive. But in reality, they are very intelligently structured and very social. In the event of a fight, they even defend their individual clan members.