Spotted Hyena ( Crocuta crocuta )
Spotted Hyena - Spotted Hyena information - Spotted Hyena facts
The Spotted hyena is spread all around sub-Saharan Africa. It inhabits grasslands, woodlands, planes, fields and almost any area where it can find enough food except forests. Hyenas are over 1.5 metres (5 feet) long with a tail measuring up to 60 cm (22 inches). Their height is about 85 cm (33 inches). Its weight may vary from 45 to 80 kg (100-176 lb).
Their fur has got brownish colour with dark brown or jet black spots. Their jaws are extremely strong so breaking a large bone is not a big problem for them. The hyenas tend to live in groups of approximately 20 members. The head of the group is unusually the female hyena. They mark their territories with a typical scent and excrements.
When hunting the whole group is participated. Beforehand and during the hunt they communicate with specific sounds which may imitate laughing. The whole group of screaming hyenas may even scare a lion with its prey. Hyenas eat any kind of meat. They are typical scavengers. When having a rest they usually lie in holes in order to be in the shadow. The female hyena gives birth to 1-2 small young. Their average longevity is about 24 years.
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