Description: The Spotted Hyena has a spotted coat and is the largest of the three hyena species. The hyena has a large head, large ears, long front legs and shorter back legs with a back that slopes down from the shoulder to the tail. It can be difficult to distinguish the females from the males. Females are also larger than the males.

Diet: Hyenas are carnivores and eat a wide range of animals, including wildebeest, zebra, gazelles when hunting in packs and ground birds. Spotted Hyenas will steal prey from cheetah or even lions if they are in a pack. They are also very good scavengers and their digestive system allows them to eat all parts of the animal—meat, skin and bone.

In the wild: Spotted Hyenas live in large groups called ‘clans’ that may have up to 100 individuals. Females are dominant over males which take no part in the rearing of the young. Hyenas often compete with lions over territory and food.

Threats: Because of reduced habitat and natural food sources, hyenas will kill livestock, provoking conflict between farmers and hyenas.