Crocuta crocuta

(Erxleben, 1777)

Vernacular names
English : Spotted hyena
French : Hyène tachetée

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

Identification
The largest hyena species, unmistakable, reaching a body length of 150 cm, a shoulder height of 80 cm and a weight of 85 kg. Females larger than males. Back sloping backwards, large head with strong jaws. Brown with black spots.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in Africa, south of Sahara, from Senegal to sudan, south to northern half of South Africa (outside rainforests). Lives in savannas, woodlands, swamps, montane forests, deserts, to 4000 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a huge range and is extraordinarily adaptable but its numbers are decreasing because of hunting, habitat loss and persecution.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America, ESB in Europe

Observation

 

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