Parahyaena brunnea

(Thunberg, 1820)

Vernacular names
English : Brown hyena
French : Hyène brune

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Carnivora
Family : Hyaenidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Up to 136 cm body length, shoulder height of 79 cm, weight around 40 kg. Unmistakable, very dark head with long pointy ears. Brown fur, lighter on neck with very long hairs on back and flanks. Legs are striped.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in Southern Africa from Namibia and Botswana east to Zimbabwe, south to South Africa. Lives in all kinds of arid habitats, from deserts to scrublands and dry woodlands.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Not listed
Status : Widespread but rare in the wild. Habitat fragmentation and persecutions are the main threats. Wild population surveys rarely undertaken.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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