Striped hyena

Why in News?

A rare striped hyena was spotted near Ganeshgudi bridge in the Kali Tiger Reserve in Uttara Kannada district.

• It is a nocturnal animal first documented recently in the western ghats region.
• Scientific Name - Hyaena hyaena.
• It is locally known as ‘katte kiruba' or ‘donkey-eared scavenger'.
• Family – Hyaenidae.
• Habitat - Striped hyenas inhabit arid and semi-arid regions, scrublands, rocky hills, and open woodlands.

The hyena's recent appearance has sparked curiosity about its migration path, possibly wandering from drier north Karnataka habitats like Dharwad due to food scarcity or seasonal dispersal.

• Distribution - North and East Africa, the Middle East, parts of Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent (the largest surviving population is in India.
• Average size - 1–1.2 m (3–4 ft) long, 35–45 kg (77–99 lb).
• Lifespan - 10–12 years in the wild; up to 20 years in captivity.
• Appearance
  • Distinctive vertical black stripes on a gray or beige coat — hence the name “striped” hyena.
  • Has a large, bushy mane running from head to tail, which can be erected to make it look larger when threatened.
  • Features powerful jaws adapted to crush bones, though weaker than the spotted hyenas.
  • Tail is fluffy and black-tipped, usually held low.
  • The face has large ears, helping dissipate heat and detect distant sounds.

• Behavior – Solitary - Typically lives alone or in small family groups.
• Scavenger - Feeds primarily on carcasses, bones, and animal remains often left behind by other predators.
• Occasionally hunts small mammals, birds, and fruit (especially dates and melons) and has an excellent sense of smell and hearing.
• It helps cleaning up carrion and maintain ecological health by controlling disease spread.
• Territorial, marking with scent from anal glands.
• Conservation status
  • IUCN - Near Threatened.
  • WPA, 1972 - Schedule III.
• Threats –
  • Habitat loss and human encroachment
  • Poisoning and hunting, often due to superstition or retaliation for livestock losses
  • Road kills and conflict with stray dogs
  • Low genetic diversity in isolated populations

Reference

Times of India | Striped Hyena