Hyenas are often misunderstood animals, frequently confused with canines due to their appearance and certain behaviors. Despite superficial similarities, they are not a type of dog. This article clarifies their true biological classification.
Where Hyenas Truly Belong
Hyenas belong to their own distinct biological family, Hyaenidae, which includes four extant species: the spotted hyena, brown hyena, striped hyena, and the aardwolf. This family is part of the suborder Feliformia, grouping them with cat-like carnivores, rather than Caniformia, which includes dog-like carnivores. Their evolutionary lineage traces back to early carnivores that diverged into feline and canine branches approximately 30 million years ago, with hyenas originating from the cat-like branch.
Their closest living relatives within the Feliformia suborder are the civets and mongooses. Hyenas originated in the jungles of Miocene Eurasia around 22 million years ago, with early ancestral forms resembling civets. This deep evolutionary history underscores that hyenas occupy a unique branch on the tree of life, separate from both cats and dogs.
Distinguishing Hyena Characteristics
Hyenas possess distinct biological and behavioral traits that differentiate them from canines. Their skull is robust and long, specialized for powerful biting and bone crushing. They have a unique dental formula, with 34 teeth, including enlarged premolars and carnassial teeth. Spotted hyenas exhibit an extremely strong bite force, recorded up to 1,100 pounds per square inch, enabling them to splinter large bones.
Their physical build appears sloped, with shoulders higher than their hindquarters due to shorter hind legs. Their feet have four toes on both front and hind limbs, equipped with large, blunt, non-retractable claws. The structure of their auditory bullae also aligns with other feliforms. These anatomical features are distinct from canines and reflect their specialized adaptations for their ecological role.
Hyenas also display social structures and behaviors aligning with feliforms. Spotted hyenas live in complex matriarchal societies where females are dominant and larger than males. They utilize diverse vocalizations, including the “laugh” of the spotted hyena, for communication within their clans. While renowned as scavengers, hyenas are also skilled hunters, capable of pursuing and taking down large prey. Their efficient digestive system allows them to process bones, a unique adaptation.
Behaviors such as grooming patterns, scent marking, and aspects of their mating and parental care are consistent with other feliforms. Superficial resemblances to dogs, like pack hunting and non-retractable claws, are examples of convergent evolution, where unrelated species develop similar traits under similar environmental pressures. Genetic studies further confirm their distinct evolutionary path.