African wild dogs and hyenas are two of Africa’s most recognizable carnivores, often sharing the same savanna landscapes. Their presence in similar environments, coupled with their predatory roles, frequently leads to a common misconception about their biological relationship. Despite superficial similarities, these animals represent distinct evolutionary paths. This article explores why these two species are not closely related, highlighting their unique places in the animal kingdom.
Unrelated Evolutionary Paths
African wild dogs and hyenas are not closely related; they belong to entirely different biological families. African wild dogs are members of the Canidae family, placing them in the same group as domestic dogs, wolves, and foxes. Their evolutionary lineage traces back to a common wolf ancestor, forming a distinct branch within this family. In contrast, hyenas belong to their own unique family, Hyaenidae, which is evolutionarily more closely linked to felines (cats, civets, and mongooses) within the suborder Feliformia, rather than to canids. Their last common ancestor existed millions of years ago.
Shared Traits That Confuse
Several shared traits between African wild dogs and hyenas often lead to confusion about their relatedness. Both species inhabit the open plains, savannas, and grasslands of Africa, functioning as apex predators, and their shared ecological niche leads to the independent development of comparable features. For instance, both possess large ears, which aid in heat dissipation and detecting prey or rivals across vast distances. Their coats, while distinct upon closer inspection, can appear mottled or spotted, contributing to a general visual similarity. These resemblances are examples of convergent evolution, where unrelated species develop similar characteristics by adapting to comparable environments and lifestyles.
Separate Biological Classifications
The scientific classification of African wild dogs and hyenas clearly distinguishes them. African wild dogs, scientifically known as Lycaon pictus, are the sole living species within their genus. They possess a slender build with long legs, adapted for endurance running. Their dentition, while hypercarnivorous, includes fewer molars and premolars compared to other canids, with sharp front teeth for grasping and tearing prey. Uniquely, African wild dogs have only four toes on each foot, lacking the dewclaw found in most other canids.
Hyenas comprise four distinct species: spotted, striped, brown, and aardwolf hyenas. They are characterized by a robust body with powerful forequarters and a distinctive sloping back, as their front legs are longer than their hind legs. Their skulls are large with exceptionally strong jaws and specialized bone-crushing teeth, enabling them to process carcasses other predators cannot. Spotted hyenas, the largest species, can weigh between 40 to 90 kilograms and stand up to 90 cm at the shoulder. This makes them larger than African wild dogs, which typically weigh 18 to 36 kilograms and stand 60 to 75 cm tall.
Distinct Behaviors and Lifestyles
Despite sharing environments, African wild dogs and hyenas exhibit different social structures and hunting strategies. African wild dogs are highly social animals that live in cooperative packs, typically ranging from 2 to 27 individuals. They are renowned for their coordinated pack hunting, utilizing stamina and teamwork to exhaust and bring down prey over long distances, achieving a high success rate between 70% and 90%. Their communication involves unique vocalizations, including chirps, hoots, and a distinctive “hoo” sound used to coordinate movements during hunts. The entire pack participates in raising pups, with adults often regurgitating food for the young and other adults.
Hyenas, particularly spotted hyenas, live in complex social groups called clans, which can number from 10 to 80 members and are matriarchal, with females dominating. While often portrayed as scavengers, spotted hyenas are skilled hunters, securing up to 95% of their own food by pursuing prey in coordinated groups. They use their powerful jaws to crush bones, extracting nutrients inaccessible to other predators. Hyena vocalizations include distinct “whoops” and the well-known “laugh,” which are forms of communication within the clan. Competition for resources between wild dogs and hyenas is common, with hyenas sometimes attempting to steal kills from wild dog packs.