Hyenas are often misunderstood creatures, frequently misidentified as either felines or canines. Their distinctive appearance and behaviors lead many to question their true biological classification. This article will clarify the unique place hyenas occupy in the animal kingdom, exploring their lineage and the reasons behind the common confusion.
Not a Cat, Not a Dog
Despite common perceptions, hyenas are neither felines nor canines. They belong to their own distinct biological family, Hyaenidae. While they reside within the Order Carnivora, they are genetically separate from the dog family (Canidae) and the cat family (Felidae). Instead, hyenas are grouped under the suborder Feliformia, which includes cat-like carnivores, placing them more closely on the feline side of the evolutionary tree. The Hyaenidae family comprises four extant species: the spotted hyena, striped hyena, brown hyena, and the aardwolf.
Understanding Their Unique Lineage
Hyenas have powerful jaws and specialized dentition, enabling them to crush bones and efficiently consume nearly entire carcasses. Spotted hyenas, for example, can exert a bite force exceeding 1100 PSI. Most hyena species also have forelimbs longer than their hind limbs, contributing to their distinctive sloped posture.
Their evolutionary journey began approximately 22 to 25 million years ago in the Miocene epoch, diverging from small, civet-like ancestors. While spotted hyenas are skilled hunters, often taking down large prey and demonstrating cooperative hunting techniques, all hyena species are also opportunistic scavengers. Spotted hyenas exhibit complex social structures, living in matriarchal clans where females dominate males. They also possess a diverse vocal repertoire, including the well-known “laughing” sound, which serves as a form of communication.
Why the Confusion Arises
The frequent misidentification of hyenas as either dog or cat relatives stems from superficial resemblances in their physical traits and behaviors. Many observers note their dog-like appearance, including their non-retractable claws, long muzzles, and similar skull structure. Additionally, behaviors such as pack hunting, long-distance running, and scavenging are often associated with canids.
Conversely, hyenas also share some characteristics with felines, such as certain grooming habits, parental behaviors, and the unique skeletal structure of their middle and inner ear. These similarities are a result of convergent evolution, a biological phenomenon where unrelated species develop comparable traits because they adapt to similar environmental pressures or ecological niches. Therefore, while hyenas may exhibit traits reminiscent of both cats and dogs, these are adaptations to their environment rather than indicators of a direct ancestral link to either family.