The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) is one of the Kruger's most misunderstood animals, not merely a scavenger but a powerful, highly successful hunter. It has a sloping back, spotted coat and bone-crushing jaws, and lives in female-led clans. Largely nocturnal, it is often heard whooping across the dark bush.
Name
Spotted Hyena [Crocuta crocuta]
Description
The Spotted Hyena is one of the Kruger National Park’s most iconic animals that is known for being a scavenger but is actually a successful hunter. The Spotted hyena has a haunch that give it a menacing appearance. It has a thick coat that is light brown in colour with black spots all over. It has large round ears that that aid in hearing. It has a bushy mane that runs from its head down its back. The females of the species is die dominant gender, being larger than the males, standing at 800mm and weighing up to 60kg.
Diet
The Spotted Hyena is one of/ if not the most effective carnivore in South Africa. It has always been described as only a cowardly scavenger that only feeds on carcasses from animals which isn’t the case. The Spotted Hyena can take down large prey such as Buffalo, Wildebeest, Eland, Gemsbok and Zebra rather easily and effectively. They have also been known to scare lions away from their kill and claim it for themselves.
Breeding
Hyenas give birth to 1-2 young, after a gestation period of 4 months. They are non seasonal breeders. Cubs are not weaned for 12-16 months as the cubs receive enough nourishment from their mother’s milk. Cubs are raised in a communal den and is protected by selected members of the pack. Males have no paternal role as very few are allowed near the dens. Spotted Hyenas are rather rare but can be spotted during a Kruger Park Safari.
Behaviour
Spotted Hyenas are nocturnal hunters which stay in the thick bush or deserted Aardvark burrows. Hyenas live in clans that defend their territory from other clans that want to invade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are spotted hyenas scavengers or hunters?
Both, but they are far better hunters than their scavenging reputation suggests. Spotted hyenas are among the most effective carnivores in Africa, capable of pulling down large prey such as buffalo, wildebeest, eland and zebra. They will also drive lions off a kill and claim it, as well as scavenge when it suits them.
Why do female hyenas dominate the clan?
In spotted hyena society the females are dominant and are larger and heavier than the males. Clans are matriarchal, and males have little parental role, with few even allowed near the dens. This unusual female-led structure sets hyenas apart from most other large carnivores.
Where can you see spotted hyenas in the Kruger?
Hyenas occur throughout the Kruger but are mainly nocturnal, so daytime sightings are less common. They shelter in thick bush or in disused aardvark burrows and are often seen or heard at dawn and dusk. Clan members frequently gather near dens, and their eerie whoops carry far across the night.
Are hyenas dangerous to people on safari?
Hyenas are powerful predators with immensely strong jaws, but they are wary of humans and pose little danger to visitors who stay in the vehicle and behave sensibly. Never feed them or leave food out at camp, as this teaches them to associate people with an easy meal.
