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Hyena (Spotted)

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Crocuta crocuta

Range

Spotted hyenas live throughout Africa.

Habitat

Spotted hyenas live on savannahs and dry scrublands.

Body Traits

They are not related to dogs. They are 5 feet long and weigh up to 150 pounds. The females weigh more than the males and are dominant. Spotted hyenas have large, strong jaws and tough stomachs.

Habits

Hyenas make their strange, “laughing” call around their prey or when they are being chased or threatened. They live in family groups of up to a hundred hyenas called a “clan.”

Diet

Hyenas can eat a whole animal, bones, hair, hide and all. Hyenas are carnivores that are both hunters and scavengers. They can run 30mph. They hunt in packs, chasing a herd of animals until one falls behind or gets separated, then they pounce on it and eat it right there. They can eat 30 pounds at one meal and go for several days without water.

Predators

Predators are humans.

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Reproduction

Females are pregnant for 3-4 months (gestation) and have 2 young.

Lifespan and/or Conservation Status

Females who survive their first two years can live to be 10-15 years old. They are listed as Lower Risk - conservation dependent.

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Suborder: Feliformia
Family: Hyaenidae
Genus: Crocuta
Species: Crocuta crocuta

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