The Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is a medium sized, scavenging mammal found in Africa, the Middle East, West India and the Arabian Peninsula. There are 3 species of hyena, the Striped Hyena, the Spotted Hyena and the Brown Hyena. The smallest hyena in the family hyaenidae is the Aardwolf (Proteles cristatus). Find out more!

The Striped Hyena typically inhabits deserts, semi deserts, scrub forests, woodlands, grasslands, acacia bushlands, rocky terrain and tropical savannas. Family groups live in dens which are usually caves with narrow entrances and are concealed with large boulders. Dens can extend over a distance of 4 – 5 metres.

Striped Hyenas are nocturnal omnivores and will feed upon small animals, insects, fruits (oil willow fruits), melons and dates. They regularly scavenge carrion and the remains of another animals kill. They use their powerful jaws to gnaw and crush bones.

Striped Hyenas are nomadic and will move from water hole to water hole, however, they never move more than 6 miles from a water source. They are solitary hunters but sometimes gather into small family groups, called ‘clans’ to scavenge carrion (dead animal carcasses). They have smaller home ranges than the Spotted or Brown Hyena.

There is no specific breeding season for the Striped Hyena. After a gestation period of 90 – 92 days a litter of 2 – 4 helpless cubs are born in nesting dens. Hyena cubs are born blind and their ear canals are closed. Their coats are white to grey with clear black stripes. After 7 – 8 days, the cubs are able to open their eyes and their teeth develop after 3 weeks.