Striped hyena
A species of Hyaena Scientific name : Hyaena hyaena Genus : Hyaena
Striped hyena, A species of Hyaena
Scientific name: Hyaena hyaena
Genus: Hyaena
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Rohit Varma , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The striped hyena has a fairly massive, but short torso set on long legs. The hind legs are significantly shorter than the forelimbs, thus causing the back to slope downwards. The legs are relatively thin and weak, with the forelegs being bent at the carpal region. The neck is thick, long and largely immobile, while the head is heavy and massive with a shortened facial region. The eyes are small, while the sharply pointed ears are very large, broad and set high on the head. Like all hyenas, the striped hyena has bulky pads on its paws, as well as blunt but powerful claws. The tail is short and the terminal hairs do not descend below the achilles tendon. The striped hyena lacks the enlarged clitoris and false scrotal sack noted in the female genitalia of the spotted hyena. The female has 3 pairs of nipples. Adult weight can range from 22 to 55 kg (49 to 121 lb), averaging at about 35 kg (77 lb). Body length can range from 85 to 130 cm (33 to 51 in), not counting a tail of 25 to 40 cm (9.8 to 15.7 in), and shoulder height is between 60–80 cm (24–31 in). The male has a large pouch of naked skin located at the anal opening. Large anal glands open into it from above the anus. Several sebaceous glands are present between the openings of the anal glands and above them. The anus can be everted up to a length of 5 cm, and is everted during social interaction and mating. When attacked, the striped hyena everts its rectum and sprays a pungent smelling liquid from its anal glands. Its eyesight is acute, though its senses of smell and hearing are weak. The skull is entirely typical of the genus, having a very high sagittal crest, a shortened facial region and an inflated frontal bone. The skull of the striped hyena differs from that of the brown and spotted hyena by its smaller size and slightly less massive build. It is nonetheless still powerfully structured and well adapted to anchoring exceptionally strong jaw muscles which give it enough bite-force to splinter a camel's thigh bone. Although the dentition is overall smaller than that of the spotted hyena, the upper molar of the striped hyena is far larger. The dental formula is 3.1.4.0–13.1.3.010. 
General Info
Lifespan
12-25 years
Diet
Striped hyena predominantly consumes carrion; however, its opportunistic feeding habit also includes fruits, insects, and small mammals. Despite its reputation, it does not primarily feed on bones but prefers flesh.
Appearance
Striped hyena has a hefty build with a slightly sloped back, owing to longer front legs. Covered in coarse, spotty fur, their dominant coloration is sandy, accented by darker patches. They boast a thick mane on the neck and shoulders, and a bushy tail. Their large ears are very noticeable, as are their powerful jaws. No significant appearance differences exist due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Striped hyena is primarily nocturnal and scavenges for a diet including carrion and small animals. It operates solitarily or in small family groups. This species uses latrines and scent marking for territorial control. Notably, unlike many carnivores, striped hyena does not typically indulge in grooming activities.
Population
Decreasing
Scientific Classification
AI animal expert in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
.jpg){kind=link}