Hyenas often capture public fascination, but their unique appearance frequently leads to a common misunderstanding regarding their biological classification. Many people assume these powerful carnivores are related to dogs due to their similar build and behaviors. However, their true lineage reveals a more complex evolutionary path, distinguishing them from both canines and felines.
Are They Canines?
Despite a dog-like appearance and certain shared behaviors, hyenas are not members of the canine family. Their physical resemblance to dogs, such as their non-arboreal nature and their method of catching prey with teeth rather than claws, is a result of convergent evolution. This means hyenas and canids independently developed similar traits by adapting to comparable ecological roles.
Where Hyenas Truly Belong
Hyenas are classified into their own family, Hyaenidae, which comprises four species: the spotted, striped, and brown hyenas, along with the aardwolf. This family falls under the suborder Feliformia, grouping “cat-like” carnivores. In contrast, “dog-like” carnivores, including dogs, bears, and weasels, belong to the suborder Caniformia. Genetic studies show hyenas share a more recent common ancestor with cats and other feliforms than with dogs. A distinguishing anatomical feature supporting this classification is their auditory bullae, which are double-chambered in feliforms, unlike the single-chambered design in caniforms.
Unique Characteristics
Hyenas possess several biological and behavioral traits that set them apart from the canine family. Their skull and dental structure are adapted for a specialized diet. Hyenas have powerful jaws and robust premolars designed for crushing bones, allowing them to consume nearly all parts of a carcass, including the skeleton. Spotted hyenas, in particular, exhibit one of the strongest bite forces among mammals, generating up to 1,100 pounds per square inch of pressure.
Their social organization is also different from that of most canids. Spotted hyenas live in complex, female-dominated social groups known as clans, which can include up to 130 individuals. These matriarchal societies mean females are larger, more aggressive, and hold higher social ranks than males, with even the lowest-ranking female outranking the highest-ranking male. Offspring inherit their social status directly from their mothers, influencing their access to food and other resources.
Hyenas communicate through diverse vocalizations. The well-known “giggle” or “laugh” of the spotted hyena is emitted when the animal is experiencing stress or excitement, rather than amusement. Other calls include “whoops” used for long-distance communication and to call for reinforcements, and “lowing” sounds that coordinate clan members during a hunt.
Scent marking plays a role in hyena communication and territorial defense. They deposit secretions from their anal glands, a process called “pasting,” onto objects to mark their territory and convey information about themselves. Hyenas also utilize communal latrines for defecation, contributing to their scent-based communication. Unlike canids, hyenas do not use urination for territorial marking or raise their legs while urinating.