Overview
Moving quietly through the darkness, the striped hyena is one of Tanzania’s most elusive large carnivores. Far less frequently seen than the spotted hyena, it inhabits dry savannah, scrub, rocky country and open woodland, particularly across northern and central parts of the country.
Its coarse grey or straw-coloured coat is crossed by dark vertical stripes, while a long mane runs from the neck along the back. When threatened, the hyena can raise this mane, making itself appear considerably larger and more intimidating.
Striped hyenas are primarily scavengers, using their acute sense of smell to locate carcasses and other food over large areas. Their powerful jaws can break bones and expose the nutritious marrow inside, helping them consume parts of a carcass that many other animals cannot use. They also hunt small animals and eat insects, eggs, fruit and other plant material when available.
Behaviour & How to Identify
Look for a medium-sized hyena with pointed ears, a narrow muzzle, long shaggy fur and dark stripes across the body and legs. Its forequarters are higher than its hindquarters, producing the sloping back typical of hyenas, while the bushy tail is often carried low.
They are generally less social and less vocal than spotted hyenas. Individuals may live alone, as bonded pairs or in small family groups, and males can assist females with feeding and caring for their cubs.
Communication relies heavily on scent. Striped hyenas leave strong-smelling secretions on grass, stones and other objects, while posture, growls, howls and chattering calls are used during closer encounters. They do not produce the familiar long-distance whoops and laughing calls associated with spotted hyenas.
Interesting facts
They can make themselves look much larger. When alarmed, a striped hyena raises the long mane along its back, increasing its apparent size by more than a third.
Their jaws can break open large bones. This gives them access to marrow and other nutrients that remain after softer parts of a carcass have been eaten.
They are found across two continents. Their fragmented range extends from northern and eastern Africa through the Middle East and into Central and South Asia.