Another awesome chart! 🧡 Let’s break down this Hyenas of the World image you posted:
🐾 Hyenas Overview:
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spotted Hyena | Crocuta crocuta | Sub-Saharan Africa | Largest hyena species, known for strong social groups (“clans”) and powerful bite force. |
| Brown Hyena | Parahyaena brunnea | Southern Africa | Shaggy fur, scavenger lifestyle, smaller groups. |
| East African Striped Hyena | Hyaena hyaena dubbah | East Africa | Smaller, more solitary compared to the spotted hyena, recognizable by vertical stripes. |
| Indian Striped Hyena | Hyaena hyaena hyaena | Indian Subcontinent | Nocturnal and more solitary; striped fur helps it blend into dry environments. |
| Barbary Striped Hyena | Hyaena hyaena barbara | North Africa (Maghreb) | Rare and declining; lives mainly in mountainous areas. |
| Syrian Striped Hyena | Hyaena hyaena syriaca | Middle East (Syria, Israel, Iraq) | Critically endangered; often persecuted by humans. |
| Arabian Striped Hyena | Hyaena hyaena sultana | Arabian Peninsula | Highly elusive, adapted to desert life. |
| East African Aardwolf | Proteles cristatus septentrionalis | East Africa | Eats mainly termites; not a “true” hyena — very peaceful! |
| South African Aardwolf | Proteles cristatus cristatus | Southern Africa | Same termite-eating habits, lighter color variations. |
🔥 Quick Facts:
-
Spotted hyenas are the ones most people know from documentaries — loud “laughing” calls and matriarchal societies.
-
Aardwolves are in the hyena family but are insectivores and super shy.
-
Striped hyenas are much quieter than spotted ones and are often lone scavengers.
-
All hyenas have extremely powerful jaws — even the smaller striped ones can crack bones!