The striped hyena is a shy, shaggy hyena of dry lands from Africa to India. It is mostly a scavenger and plays an important role in cleaning up carcasses.
Interesting facts
- Unlike the spotted hyena, the striped hyena is mostly quiet and rarely ‘laughs’.
- Its powerful jaws and teeth can crack large bones.
- It is mainly a scavenger, following predators or searching for carcasses.
- Striped hyenas often live alone or in small family groups.
- They feature in folklore across the Middle East and South Asia.
- India holds one of the largest populations.
Behaviour
Striped hyenas are nocturnal and often travel long distances each night to find food. They rest in caves, dens or dense cover by day.
Breeding and young
After about three months, females give birth to two to four cubs in a den.
Threats and conservation
Persecution and poisoning, road deaths, declining carcasses as large mammals disappear, and habitat loss.
Where to see it
- Velavadar Blackbuck National Park, Gujarat, India
- Ranthambore National Park, India (rare)
- Samburu and Laikipia, Kenya
- Negev Desert, Israel
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
