Other hyenas: not everyone knows about the existence of these species! (5 photos)

There are as many as 4 species of hyenas, but most people’s ideas rest on the fact that there are only evil, eternally cackling spotted scavengers from the cartoon about the Lion King. Let's correct this misunderstanding and quickly get to know all the representatives of the hyena family.





So we'll go from left to right.

1. Spotted hyena

Yes, this is the same evil “scavenger” from the cartoon. Spotted hyenas are the most famous and live in large numbers in Africa. Totalitarian matriarchy reigns in their community; females humiliate males in every possible way, because they are larger and stronger than boys. These are the eternal enemies of lions, with whom hyenas have a constant war for territory and resources. Contrary to the belief that hyenas are scavengers, they are actually quite successful predators, and their average hunting efficiency is higher than that of lions.



Evil and toothy, but legendary!

2. Brown hyena

Brown hyenas live in the very south of Africa and look like homeless people. However, they are really cool and interesting animals. Their communities live like wolf packs. There is an alpha male, an alpha female and their family. In such groups, the main one is the male. These hyenas are already real scavengers and almost never hunt. They often steal prey from leopards, lions, etc. They like to stick to the seashore to gnaw on what the ocean has brought.





Slouched and falling apart. This is just an image to divert your attention!

3. Striped hyena

The striped hyena lives in northern Africa, the Middle East and as far as India. Sometimes you can even find her in the Caucasus! These guys live in small equal families of a male, female and cubs. They are very kind to each other and love to cuddle. Surprisingly, a large proportion of the diet of these hyenas consists of plants and fruits. They eat carrion and meat less often than other hyenas.



They are very beautiful, and striped hyenas also have a luxurious punk crest on their back. They raise it when they are excited or scared.

4. Aardwolf

But this is already surrealism! A small and funny animal weighing no more than 10 kg. The aardwolf lives in eastern and southern Africa in arid savannas and deserts. Comes out only at night. Lives alone and super secretively. Do you know what he eats? ONLY TERMITES AND OTHER BUGS. It is completely incomprehensible how the harsh and dangerous hyena came up with this. This animal spends its days digging holes, destroying termite mounds and licking thousands of insects with its sticky long tongue.



The weirdest guy in school and who he became.