What kind of animal is a hyena? An updated explanation of its characteristics, ecology, and habitat

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

What are the roots and origins of the hyena?

Although hyenas (family Hyaenidae) are often mistaken for members of the dog family due to their appearance, they are actually carnivorous mammals belonging to a lineage closer to the cat family (suborder Feliformia). They are distant relatives of the Canidae (dog) family and represent a group that underwent its own unique evolution.

Origins: Approximately 22 million years ago (Miocene epoch)

Hyena ancestors are believed to have originated on the Eurasian continent about 22 million years ago. Early hyenas were not the large, bone-crushing predators we see today; instead, they were small, slender animals resembling civets.

Representative early hyena:

Plioviverrops

Lived approximately 20–22 million years ago

Small physique

Resembled a civet

Believed to have possessed characteristics suited for an arboreal (tree-dwelling) lifestyle

Hyenas of this era were not “specialists in scavenging carrion” but rather omnivorous animals that preyed on small creatures.

Evolution into dog-like hyenas (around 15 million years ago)

During the Miocene, grassland environments expanded, making the ability to chase down prey while running crucial.

In this era, hyenas evolved along two main paths:

A. Dog-like hyenas

Characteristics:

Long legs

High running ability

Some species hunted in packs

Representative example:

Chasmaporthetes

This group even expanded into North America for a time. However, most went extinct due to environmental changes and the expansion of canids (dog-family animals).

B. Large, bone-crushing hyenas

An evolutionary path closer to modern hyenas. Characteristics:

Powerful jaws

Robust teeth

Ability to consume bone

Enhanced ability to utilize carrion

Representative species:

Pachycrocuta brevirostris

• One of the largest hyenas in history
• Potentially reached a body weight of over 100 kg
• Inhabited Pleistocene Eurasia

This lineage leads to the ancestors of modern hyenas, such as the spotted hyena.

Expansion into Africa

After originating in Eurasia, hyena ancestors migrated to Africa.

From approximately 10 million years ago onwards, they evolved as large carnivores in Africa, leading to the modern:

Spotted hyena

Striped hyena

Brown hyena

Aardwolf

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 Molting

Hyenas are mammals that undergo “molting”—the seasonal shedding and regrowth of fur. However, unlike animals such as wolves or foxes that exhibit a drastic difference between winter and summer coats, hyenas undergo a relatively gradual molt adapted to the climate of their specific habitat.

Molting Periods

Hyena molting generally occurs as follows:

🌱 Spring (Transition from dry season to rainy season)

Shedding the dense fur developed during winter or the dry season

Transitioning to shorter, more breathable fur

Facilitating easier body temperature regulation

🍂 Autumn to Winter

Fur becomes slightly thicker

Heat retention improves

This is particularly noticeable in individuals living in colder regions

However, for Spotted Hyenas living in the African savanna, the shift between “summer coat” and “winter coat” is not as distinct as it is in dogs or deer in Japan.

Differences in Molting by Species

① Spotted Hyena

Spotted Hyena

Characteristics:

Short, coarse fur

Spotted pattern remains throughout life

Minimal seasonal change in fur volume

Molting functions:

Shedding old fur

Growing new fur

Maintaining skin health

Combating parasites

These are the primary roles.

Because Spotted Hyenas are adapted to hot regions, they do not need to grow a long winter coat.

② Striped Hyena

Striped Hyena

Characteristics:

Inhabits arid regions and desert fringes

Has longer fur

Well-developed mane-like fur on the neck and back

Molting trends:

Summer: Fur becomes thinner

Winter: Fur volume increases

In desert environments with significant temperature fluctuations, molting is crucial for body temperature regulation.

③ Brown Hyena

Brown Hyena

Characteristics:

Inhabits arid zones of Southern Africa

Has long fur

Seasonal changes in fur are particularly noticeable on the:

Neck area

Back

Shoulders

The long fur acts as insulation during cold nights.

④ Aardwolf

Aardwolf

Characteristics:

A member of the hyena family, but feeds exclusively on insects

Fine body fur

Distinctive mane along the back

When sensing danger, it raises the fur on its back to make itself appear larger.

About Hyena Vocalizations

Hyenas are among the most vocal of carnivores, using a wide variety of sounds to communicate. They are particularly famous for a distinctive call known as “laughter,” though in reality, this sound does not indicate amusement or happiness.

The True Nature of “Laughter” (Spotted Hyena)

Spotted Hyena

Most famous call:

High-pitched sounds like “hee-hee-hee” or “cackle-cackle.”

Commonly referred to as “hyena laughter.”

However, the meaning is:

❌ Amusement
❌ Joy at seeing prey

Instead, it signifies:

✅ Excitement
✅ Nervousness
✅ Frustration
✅ A signal for help
✅ Disputes over social rank

What does the “laughter” convey?

Research has shown that this call contains information specific to the individual.

The voice reflects:

Age

Individual strength

Social status

Social bonds

…and more.

Pack members can identify exactly “who is calling” just by hearing the sound.

Typical Hyena Calls

① “Laughter” (Cackle)

Uses:

Calling pack members

Conveying excitement

During disputes over prey

Requesting to join the group

Often heard when multiple hyenas gather together.

② Growl

A low “grrr” sound.

Uses:

Intimidation

Guarding prey

Warning an opponent

Often produced while opening the mouth to bare the teeth.

③ Whoop

A low, resonant “whoop-whoop” sound.

Primarily observed in spotted hyenas.

Uses:

Locating the pack

Gathering the group

Claiming territory

Can carry for several kilometers.

A sound that echoes across the savanna at night.

④ Moan/Whine

Frequently used by cubs. Purpose:

Demands directed at the mother

Requests for nursing

Expression of anxiety

Hyena cubs rely heavily on vocalizations to interact with their mothers.

Seasonal Activities

Hyenas primarily inhabit the arid regions and grasslands of Africa; their seasonal activity patterns are heavily influenced by temperature, prey migration, water availability, and breeding cycles.

🌱 Spring (Start of the Rainy Season)

Activity Characteristics

Active hunting

Targeting young herbivores

Increased breeding activity

More frequent territory patrols

With the arrival of the rainy season:

Grass grows

Herbivore populations (wildebeest, zebras, etc.) increase

Many animals enter their birthing season

…making this a time of abundant food for hyenas.

Behavior

Increased pack hunting

More food transport to cubs

Increased activity around the den

☀️ Summer (Hot/Dry Season)

Activity Characteristics

Increased nocturnal activity

More time spent resting during the day

Activity centered around waterholes

In hot African regions, daytime temperatures can approach 40°C, so

Hyenas tend to:

Rest in the shade

Begin activity in the evening

Travel long distances at night

Hunting

Primary prey:

Deer species

Zebras

Wildebeest

Warthogs

…and others.

The dry season is also a time when prey animals are more likely to be weak, increasing the success rate of pursuit-based hunting.

🍂 Autumn (Transition to Dry Season)

Activity Characteristics

Increased long-distance travel

Tracking prey migration

More territorial disputes between packs

As herbivores migrate in search of water and food, hyenas follow their movements.

In particular:

The great migration of wildebeest

Concentration of animals at waterholes

…provide crucial opportunities for hyenas to find food.

❄️ Winter (Dry Season)

*Note: In Africa, “winter” refers to the dry season, unlike the cold winter in Japan.

Activity Characteristics

Period of most efficient hunting

Increased scavenging (feeding on carrion)

Primarily nocturnal activity

During the dry season:

Herbivores weaken

Animals congregate at waterholes

Predation opportunities increase

…making this a critical season for hyenas.

Walking Speeds

While hyenas are often imagined as animals built for running, they are actually endurance-oriented carnivores designed for efficient, long-distance travel. They excel more at sustained pursuit without tiring than at achieving high top speeds.

🚶 Normal Walking

Approx. 4–6 km/h

Patrolling their territory

Moving as a pack

Foraging for food

They walk for extended periods at this pace.

Since hyenas can travel dozens of kilometers in a single night, they possess immense stamina even when walking slowly.

🐾 Brisk Walk / Trot

Approx. 8–12 km/h

This is the speed hyenas use most frequently for travel.

Characteristics:

Low energy expenditure

Can be maintained for long periods

Suitable for tracking prey

Spotted hyenas, in particular, do not immediately sprint at full speed upon spotting prey; instead, they wear it down by pursuing it at a steady pace.

🏃 Top Speed

Approx. 55–65 km/h

Observed primarily in:

Spotted hyenas

Brown hyenas

However, they do not possess the type of explosive, short-distance acceleration seen in cheetahs.

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.