Although somewhat dog-like in appearance, the hyaenas are placed in a family of their own and are more closely related to cats than dogs!

 Print

Overview

Order: Feliformia

Family: Hyaenidae

Species: spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta), brown hyeana (Hyaena brunnea), aardwolf (Proteles cristata) and striped hyaena (Hyaena hyaena)

IUCN Status: the brown hyana and striped hyaena are both Near Threatened

Habitat: Grassland and flat open terrain

Distribution: throughout much of Africa and eastwards through Arabia to India

Size: Spotted hyaena: 70 – 92 cm, Striped hyaena: 60 – 80 cm, Brown hyaena: 70 – 80 cm

Weight: Spotted hyaena: 44 – 64 kg, Striped hyaena: 22 – 55 kg, Brown hyaena: 40 – 44 kg

Life Span: 12 years in captivity up to 25 years in the wild

Gestation: Approximately 110 days

Photo: Charles J Sharp

 

Read More: What type of animal are Hyaenas?

Related Resources

Please donate £5 to help YPTE to continue its work of inspiring young people to look after our world.

Donate £5 X