A review of scientific literature on Hyaenidae reveals trends and gaps in the research on hyenas and other Hyaenidae species
Species: Hyena
High society – spotted hyena inherit social networks
High-ranking spotted hyena cubs inherit a social network of allies which increases access to resources & breeding opportunities: New research
Striped hyena – the forgotten fourth hyena
Striped hyenas lurk in the shadows, shy and elusive. They are seldom seen, poorly understood and may answer our questions on hyena evolution
Hyena cubs infected by parasite ‘self-sacrifice’ by approaching lions
Funky fact: Hyena cubs ‘self-sacrifice’ by recklessly approaching lions if infected by a microscopic parasite. New research
Unravelling the elaborate sex lives of spotted hyenas
High-ranked male spotted hyenas are more reproductively successful than their low-ranked rivals – hormone and behaviour analysis reveals why.
Arch-enemies? New research on lions vs hyenas
Lions vs hyenas is the ultimate African drama. New research has shed light on the dynamics between these two apex predators
Hyenas eat baby elephant while its mother watches helplessly – both elephants were stuck in mud
Hyenas eat baby elephant while its mother watches helplessly – both elephants were stuck in mud. WARNING: Some may find the images distressing.
Spotted hyena
The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) is one of the world’s most misunderstood animals. Public perception often tends towards scorn and even outright hate – they are reviled as cowardly, thieving, dirty, ugly, lazy…the list goes on. These impressions are embedded in human history and public consciousness then reinforced by mainstream media and films. Fortunately, though, …
The Brown Hyena
Steeped in myths and legends regarding magical powers, hermaphroditism and black magic, and more recently cast as villains by Disney, the hyena family undoubtedly suffers from a bad reputation. With their gentle, social interactions and strong kin bonds rarely witnessed, and their reputation amongst farmers as a livestock predator, the misunderstood and secretive brown hyena …
Hyena Birth – Moment of Magic
There have been many viewpoints written about the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), from both sides of the story. They have been painted with broad brushstrokes as the evil, thieving scavengers of the African bush on the one hand and the other, highly intelligent, cohesive and beautiful animals. Yet, in a world of pure survival, where …
