# Striped Hyena (*Hyaena hyaena*)

> The striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is a nocturnal scavenger of North and East Africa, the Middle East, and India, smaller and shyer than the spotted hyena. Adults weigh about 40 kg, sport a pointed mane, and are listed Near Threatened as poisoning, roadkill, and declining carrion reduce numbers.

- **Category:** Mammal
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Near Threatened
- **Range:** North and East Africa through the Middle East into India.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/striped-hyena/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Mammalia
- **Order:** Carnivora
- **Family:** Hyaenidae
- **Genus:** Hyaena

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Hyaena hyaena |
| Diet | Omnivore (scavenger) |
| Habitat | Arid scrub, savanna, and rocky hills |
| Lifespan | Around 12 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 40 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 50 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Near Threatened (IUCN) |

## Mane and sloping back

Bold stripes, a crest that erects when alarmed, and a sloping back characterise the species. They are more solitary and secretive than clan-living spotted hyenas.

## Scavenger with an omnivorous edge

Carrion is staple food, supplemented by fruit, insects, and small animals. Powerful jaws crack bones; they often visit rubbish tips near villages.

## Africa through India

Arid scrub, savanna, and rocky hills from North and East Africa through the Middle East into India. Across its range it is tied to arid scrub, savanna, and rocky hills, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.

## Near Threatened scavenger

IUCN lists striped hyenas Near Threatened. Poisoned carcasses meant for other carnivores, traffic collisions, and shrinking wild ungulate carrion all bite into populations.

## Frequently asked questions

### How do striped hyenas differ from spotted hyenas?

Striped hyenas are smaller, more solitary, distinctly striped, and less vocally famous for whoops; spotted hyenas live in larger clans.

### Do striped hyenas hunt in packs?

They usually forage alone or in pairs and rely heavily on scavenging.

### Are striped hyenas dangerous to people?

Attacks are rare; conflict usually involves scavenging near settlements.

### Why are striped hyenas Near Threatened?

Poisoning, road mortality, and reduced carrion across a fragmented range.

### Where do striped hyenas live?

North and East Africa through the Middle East into India. Native range summary: North and East Africa through the Middle East into India.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/striped-hyena/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.