Least Concern
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
About Spotted Hyena
Spotted hyenas have been unfairly typecast as scavengers. In reality, they're skilled cooperative hunters that take down 70% of their own food, including wildebeest, zebra, and even buffalo. Their bite force (1,100 PSI) is stronger than a lion's, and they can digest bone. Hyena clans are matriarchal: females are larger, more aggressive, and outrank males. Females also have pseudo-penises, making sexing them tricky. In East Africa, they're common on the Serengeti and Maasai Mara.
Did you know?
Hyena clans 'vote' by making a laughing sound, and the loudest group decision wins.
Where to see them
Serengeti
Masai Mara
Ngorongoro