Hyena striped (Hyaena hyaena): description, habitat. The world of hyenas

Hyena striped - a very intelligent and cunning animal. Thanks to her sharp mind she managed to survive in the most unfavorable conditions. At the same time, she learned not only to hunt independently, but also skillfully establish contact with other predators. And this is not all the virtues of this beast.

So, what else is the hyena striped? What distinguishes her from other predators? And why is it considered one of the most useful animals of wild Africa?

The habitat of the striped hyena

These animals love a hot climate, and therefore live only in warm countries. The native house of these predators is considered to be wild Africa. Hyenas here feel very comfortable, and therefore in this region there are a lot of them. Especially in the eastern and northern parts of the Black Continent, particularly in Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia.

Also, the hyena striped occurs in Mesopotamia, India, Pakistan, Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. What is true, here their population is much lower than in the African countries.

As for the surrounding areas, small groups of these animals can be found on the territory of Eastern Georgia. There is also information that striped predators have been sighted in Azerbaijan, as well as in the southern regions of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Appearance

To begin with, one important thing is to understand: the striped and spotted hyena is not the same thing. These are two completely different types, which differ both externally and socially. Running ahead, we note that the spotted hyena has larger dimensions, it is much more aggressive than its closest relative.

So, the striped hyena is a pretty big predator. The length of his body on average varies between 80-120 cm, but there are individuals and more. At the same time the weight varies from 35 to 55 kilograms, which makes them very dangerous opponents. As for the growth of the hyena striped, on average it is 70 cm, plus or minus 10 cm.

Often the wool of this beast is light gray or gray-brown. At the same time, along the whole body of the hyena, dark vertical bands run. Because of them, she got her Russian name "striped". Also this predator has a mane that starts at the base of the head and stretches to the very tail. It should be noted that with the advent of winter, the wool of hyenas becomes longer and thicker. Sometimes it can reach 7 cm, and on the mane and even more - 20-22 cm.

The forelimbs of this predator are longer than the hind limbs. Because of this, its back is much lower than the shoulders. The head is large, the nose and the front part of the neck are colored dark. The jaw of the hyena is massive and is the most formidable of its weapons. It should also be noted that the females of the hyena are slightly smaller in size than the males.

The diet of wild hyenas

Hyena striped is a carrion predator. Therefore, most of his time he spends in the search for dead animals. At the same time, he is not particularly concerned with the decay stage of the found corpse. Moreover, the hyena with great pleasure will eat even bare bones, which have lain not one week under the scorching sun.

In any case, do not forget that the hyena is still a predator. And so hunting for living things is also included in its ordinary plans. Often, she tracks small game, for example, reptiles, rodents and birds. However, larger animals may become its victims, especially if they are not capable of giving a backslane to the hyena.

Insects and fruits also enter the menu of striped hyenas. After all, it is in them that they find those microelements and vitamins, which are so necessary for normal growth.

The world of hyenas

Striped hyena is usually considered a loner, as she is not very attached to her family and can safely do without it. However, this does not mean that she always lives herself. There are many cases when representatives of this species gathered in small flocks - from 2 to 6 individuals.

In each group there is a clear hierarchy, which no one violates. At the same time the senior female always becomes the head of the family, and all the others obediently listen to it. More adult hyenas help in hunting younger. If the offspring are still very small and can not independently catch the game, then the older brothers and sisters bring them food into the den.

As a house hyenas use small caves or abandoned burrows. At the same time, they always mark their territory in order to let others know that this place is already occupied. For the land, hyenas are rarely at war, unless hunger forces them to do so.

It should also be noted that the spotted hyena always dominates the striped hyena. Therefore, if it happens that their paths intersect, the latter submissively walks away.

Basics of hunting and getting food

Hyenas like to hunt at night, as they orient themselves well in the dark. They approach the choice of the victim with caution, especially if it is larger than them. Often, as the main goal, they choose a sick or old animal, less often - a cub. But on healthy and huge individuals these predators are unlikely to dare to attack.

As for the carrion, its hyena smell can scent at a very great distance. And after the beast decides where it comes from, he will immediately go there. After all, as it was said earlier, the remains of the flesh are the favorite dish of hyenas.

It also happens that these striped beasts are accompanied by flocks of other predators. For example, there are many cases when hyenas walked on the heels of lions. And they did it then to eat up those leftovers that the terrible cats throw after themselves.

Reproduction of hyenas

The population of striped hyenas is quite large. This is due to the fact that this species often breeds offspring. For example, predators living in southern regions can multiply several times a year. The pregnancy itself lasts about 3 months.

On average, the female hyena produces from 2 to 4 cubs. Newborn babies are completely blind, and only after 7-8 days they begin to distinguish silhouettes. But a month later they are already having fun around their lairs, running and biting each other. Throughout the following year, the mother will obediently feed her offspring. But then they will have to hunt together with others or leave their home forever.

With regard to puberty, then in males it occurs in the 2-year-old, and in females - at 3 years of age. The life span of striped hyenas is 12 years, although sometimes they can live up to 23-25 years.

Enemies of the hyena

In African lands, the greatest danger for hyenas is represented by leopards and cheetahs. These predators can easily fall down even an adult beast, not to mention the smaller ones. In addition, hyenas can sometimes become a victim of a lion, if it catches them unawares.

In Indonesia, the fierce enemy of hyenas is the tiger. He watches them and attacks from ambush, depriving even the slightest chance of salvation. But Asian striped hyenas often have to endure oppression from gray wolves. The reason for this is hunting grounds, which both sides do not want to share with each other.

The benefits and harm that hyenas bring

If we talk about the danger that this beast represents for humans, it is insignificant. Hyenas rarely attack a person, because they consider this prey to be too strong. However, periodically they can hunt livestock, especially if the paddocks are on their territory. Even striped beasts can ruin the beds by eating half the crop, for which they are then fairly paid for by the angry farmers.

As for the benefits, the hyenas, like the wolves, are animal nurses. Eating carrion and household garbage, they reduce the risk of an epidemic on Earth. They also kill sick and old animals, thereby improving the gene pool of this species.