Hyena

Hyenas(or hyaenas)are Hyaenidae ('''carnivora feliformia) shown on Big Cat Diary. '''

They are vital components of most African ecosystems.

It is estimated that there are between 27,000 and 47,000 spotted hyenas. The spotted hyena is experiencing declines outside of protected areas due to habitat loss and poaching.

It's social organisation is unlike that of any other carnivore, bearing closer resemblance to that of primates.

Spotted hyenas are social animals that live in groups called 'clans'.

A study done by evolutionary anthropologists demonstrated that spotted hyenas outperform chimpanzees on cooperative problem-solving tests; captive pairs of spotted hyenas were challenged to tug two ropes in unison to earn a food reward, successfully cooperating and learning the maneuvers quickly without prior training. Experienced hyenas even helped inexperienced clan-mates to solve the problem.

Surprisingly, the spotted hyena is primarily a hunter but may also scavenge. It can digest the prey's skin, bone, and other animal waste.

Offspring
Hyena young are called 'cubs'.

Female hyenas only provide for their own cubs rather than assist each other, and males display no paternal care.

The offspring of dominant females automatically outrank adult females subordinate to their mother.  However, rank in spotted hyena cubs is greatly dependent on the presence of the mother; low-ranking adults may act aggressively toward higher-ranking cubs when the mother is absent.

C ubs are able to identify relatives as distantly related as great-aunts.

Cubs are born with soft, brownish black hair, and weigh around 3.3 pounds /1.5 kg on average.  S potted hyenas are also born with their eyes open and with 6–7 mm long canine teeth and 4 mm long incisors.

Cubs will attack each other shortly after birth.

Cubs will nurse from their mother for 12–16 months, though they can process solid food as early as three months.

Facts

 * The spotted hyena is a non-seasonal breeder.
 * The clan's social life revolves around a communal den. Dens can have more than a dozen entrances.
 * There exists a common misconception that hyenas steal kills from lions, but most often it is the other way around.


 * Spotted hyenas may produce sounds that range from whoops, growls, yells, groans, giggles, and squeals.


 * Spotted hyenas have sharp eyesight at night.