Striped Hyena
By E.Y.
Description
- Body length: 3.2-3.9 feet. (S. Diego Zoo)
- Weight: 49-120 pounds. (S. Diego Zoo)
- Shoulder Height: 2-3 feet. (S. Diego Zoo)
- A mammal.
- Yellow/brown fur.
- Grayish mane down neck.
- Excited or threatened, its mane can stick up, making it apper larger.
- Communicates by leaving a scent, using body posture, or "laughing." (S. Hyena)
- Nocturnal, or active after sundown.
Food Chain & Habitat
- Travels alone or with a mate.
- Eats small animals and fruit.
- Lives in dry savannas.
- Eastern Europe and North Africa.
- Has no natural predatrors.
- Lives in caves and burrows.
- Female hyenas are dominant over the male hyena.
- Chooses caves near a water sorce.
Adaptation
- Fur colors allows camouflage.
- Huge teeth can crush bones.
- Short front legs allow to move quickly.
- Nocturnal
- Fur standing up can scare away predators.
- Strong senses of hearing, and smell.
Reasons for Endangerments & Critical Information
- Conflict with humans.
- Poisoned by farmers.
- Caught preying livestock.
- Food is scarce.
- Illegal to hunt endangered species.