Mammals
Spotted hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena is the largest African carnivore after the big cats and, contrary to its reputation, is no mere scavenger but a formidable hunter. It is not related to dogs: it is closer to mongooses and cats.
In short
The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) is a species with IUCN conservation status LC (Least concern). It lives in savanna and scrub in highly structured matriarchal clans led by females, which are larger and dominant over males. Animals in Black offers a fine-art portrait of it on a black background, available as a print on Hahnemühle paper: request the print.
Habitat & conservation
Where does the spotted hyena live?
It lives in savanna and scrub in highly structured matriarchal clans led by females, which are larger and dominant over males. It has immensely powerful jaws able to crush bone and a famous call resembling a laugh.
Is the spotted hyena endangered?
The IUCN Red List rates it Least Concern (LC) with a stable population in large protected areas. Outside them it declines due to persecution, poisoning and habitat loss.
Facts about the spotted hyena
- It lives in matriarchal clans led by females.
- Its jaws can crush even large bones.
- It is more closely related to mongooses and cats than to dogs.
Data source: IUCN Red List — Crocuta crocuta (Least Concern)
RED List
Conservation status codes
- EX Extinct No individuals survive.
- EW Extinct in the wild Survives only in captivity.
- CR Critically endangered Extremely high risk of extinction.
- EN Endangered Very high risk of extinction.
- VU Vulnerable High risk of extinction.
- NT Near threatened Likely to become threatened soon.
- LC Least concern Low risk of extinction.
- DD Data deficient Not enough data to assess.
- NE Not evaluated Not yet assessed by the IUCN.