Bush Fact #1 - The Under "Dog"

The Spotted Hyena is a fascinating and interesting character in the African bush. They add colour and charisma to interactions with other predator’s, sometimes chasing other carnivores off kills but more often being chased.

A common misconception is that Hyenas are related to dogs. Their closest relatives are in fact cats, mongooses and civets with the mongoose being the closest. The Hyaenidae family split from these about 25 - 29 million years ago and were widespread across Europe, Asia and Africa. Today there are only 3 species left: Striped, Brown and Spotted Hyena with the Aardwolf as a close relative.

On average adult males weigh around 45kg whereas adult females almost double their weight. This is no coincidence as Hyena society is a female dominated affair where the highest ranking males are commonly dominated by even the lowest ranking female. The social order of Hyena is a see-saw business with clan members always forming alliances and coalitions to assist with hierarchy and dominance.

Female Hyenas rarely have more than two cubs and den communally with lower ranking females denning away from the communal den to give their cubs the best chance at survival. They den for 8 – 12 months and cubs are fully weaned by 14 – 18 months. The social hierarchy of the cubs are determined by the rank of the mother. The fight for hierarchy starts at a very young age, even as early as 4 weeks, and cubs have been known to kill other cubs in this constant battle.


Mothers often leave the dens for prolonged periods of time in search of food. Their milk has the highest protein content of any terrestrial carnivore as this has to sustain the cubs while mom is out hunting. Dad however is good only for mating and moves off to the outer edges of the clan soon after mating.

Hyenas are very misunderstood animals as they are perceived as scavengers only. They are known to take advantage of another predator’s fortune but as this is true for any predator if given the chance, you can rather label them as opportunists. They not only use vultures to lead them to a fresh kill but are also very effective hunters. Hyenas are generally solitary hunters but are also known to hunt in small groups. Stamina is the Hyenas greatest weapon as prey is chased down over several kilometres at approximately 50 – 60 km/h. It has been determined that Hyenas have the strongest jaws in the animal kingdom.

With their bone crushing jaws and their incredible stamina you have got yourself a very powerful apex predator.

Darren Roberts-York