Striped hyena

Presentation

The Striped hyena is a medium-sized carnivore belonging to the Hyaenidae family. Recognizable by its gray-brown coat covered with well-marked black stripes, it has a robust and massive body with front legs longer than the hind legs, giving it a characteristic appearance slightly leaning forward.

Its massive skull houses extremely powerful jaws, with sturdy teeth adapted to crushing bones. The ears are pointed and medium sized, while its short, bushy tail is often erect. Its shaggy coat stands up easily when threatened, increasing its apparent volume.

Characteristics

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

Striped hyena frequents deserts, arid steppes and semi-desert mountainous regions. It adapts to dry and rocky environments, with a preference for areas with rock cracks, burrows or cavities where it can rest. It avoids dense forests and areas that are too humid.

Behaviour

A mainly nocturnal and solitary animal, the Striped hyena is more discreet and shy than its congeners. It is generally mute, rarely emitting sounds, unlike other hyena species. It roams its territory in search of food, traveling several kilometers each night, and rests in burrows or rock fissures.

Reproduction

Striped hyena reaches sexual maturity around 3-4 years old. Mating takes place in autumn, and after a gestation of about 90 days, the female gives birth to 1-4 young, usually 2-3. The young remain in the den for several months before gradually exploring their environment. Breastfeeding lasts approximately 12-18 months.

Peculiarities

The Striped hyena has exceptionally strong teeth capable of crushing bones. Unlike its noisier cousins, it communicates more through scent marks and body postures. It plays an important ecological role as a cleaner, reducing the spread of disease by consuming carrion. Its tolerance of hostile environments makes it a carnivore remarkably adapted to deserts.

Threats and conservation

Although the conservation status is "Near Threatened", Striped hyena faces increasing pressure. Habitat loss and fragmentation due to urban and agricultural expansion are reducing its territories. She is sometimes persecuted by man who fears her or wrongly blames her for livestock losses. The decline in carrion populations also affects its food availability.

References

UICN — Liste rouge des espèces menacées

Profile updated 02 September 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.