Class Mammalia
phylum Chordata,
subphylum Vertebrata,
order Carnivora,
family Hyaenidae.

Shoulder height - 32-34 in (79-86 cm) (male) 34-35 in (84-89 cm) (female)
Adult weight - 123-138 LB (56-63 kg) (male) 147-165 LB (67-75 kg) (female)
Diet - vertebrates of all kinds, especially hoofed mammals; seldom eats invertebrates, fruits, or vegetables. Utilizes carcasses of large vertebrates more efficiently than other carnivores, which waste up to 40% of their kills. Eats everything but rumen contents and horn bosses of the biggest antelopes, even deriving nourishment from mummified carcasses. Bones, horns, hooves, even teeth are digested completely within 24 hours.
Sound - grunts, growling, giggling
Predators - lions and rival clans
Gestation period - 4 months
No of young - 1- 4

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Read about........

Lion and Hyaena Populations - Zambezi Valley
Compiled by Steve Pope - Chipembere Safaris
P O Box 9
Kariba
Tel 061 2946
Cell: 011 610 010
e-mail chipsaf@zol.co.zw

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A carnivorous, chiefly nocturnal mammal of the Old World family Hyaenidae.

Although doglike in appearance, hyenas are more closely related to cats (family Felidae) than to dogs. The front legs of a hyena are longer than the hind ones, giving the back a sloping appearance.

Hyenas feed mostly on carrion and can crush bones with their strong teeth and jaws. They hunt small animals but usually flee if threatened. They sleep by day, in caves or burrows.

Three species are generally recognized. The spotted hyena, Crocuta crocuta, of Africa S of the Sahara, is the largest and boldest species; it stands 2 1/2 ft (76 cm) high at the shoulder and has a gray coat with irregular patches. Often abroad in the day as well as at night, it pursues game in packs and even invades camps and villages in search of refuse and livestock. The hyena is a valuable scavenger but is considered repulsive because of its stench and its cry, which resembles maniacal laughter. The aardwolf is a member of the hyena family.

Hear the call of the Hyena - Click here
Watch the Hyena in action.....Click here for video
Visit the Hyena Pages - click here....