Wildlifeof Nepal
Striped Hyaena
Civets, Linsangs & Mongooses
Photo: (c) موسی مزینانیان Mousa Mazinanian, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC-BY
Hyaena hyaena
Basic stats
Diet
Mainly carrion and scavenged food; large animals sometimes kill their own prey
Habitat
Open country; shelters in dens
Range
North and East Africa, Middle East, Caucasus, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent
Size
Body 85–130cm; tail 25–40cm; shoulder 60–80cm
Weight
22–55kg, averaging about 35kg
The striped hyena has a fairly massive but short torso set on long legs, with the hind legs noticeably shorter than the forelimbs so that the back slopes towards the tail. The ears are almost black, and a mane of guard hairs 150 to 225mm long runs along the back. Adults weigh 22 to 55kg, averaging about 35kg (Wikipedia, general species account).
It is nocturnal and typically leaves its den only in full darkness, returning before sunrise. Although mainly a scavenger, large animals have been known to kill their own prey. It usually lives alone or in pairs, is generally not territorial, and is described as monogamous, with both parents helping to raise the cubs. Sources opened here are general to the species. Nationally Endangered (Nepal National Red List 2011).
Quick answers
- What does the Striped Hyaena eat?
- Mainly carrion and scavenged food; large animals sometimes kill their own prey
- What habitat does the Striped Hyaena live in?
- Open country; shelters in dens
- Where is the Striped Hyaena found?
- North and East Africa, Middle East, Caucasus, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent
- How big is the Striped Hyaena?
- Body 85–130cm; tail 25–40cm; shoulder 60–80cm
- How much does the Striped Hyaena weigh?
- 22–55kg, averaging about 35kg