Hyenas are captivating animals often recognized by a distinctive sound that resembles human laughter. This peculiar vocalization has long fascinated people, leading to the common association of hyenas with amusement. However, the human perception of this sound differs significantly from its actual biological purpose and meaning within hyena communication. The sounds produced by these creatures are complex, serving various functions within their intricate social structures.
The “Laugh” Sound
The sound commonly referred to as a “laugh” is primarily produced by spotted hyenas and is not an expression of joy or amusement. This high-pitched cackle or giggling sound is instead a vocalization that signals a hyena’s emotional state, often indicating distress, nervousness, or intense excitement. Hyenas frequently emit this sound during moments of high-stakes competition, such as squabbling over a kill with other clan members or confronting rival predators like lions. It can also be a sign of frustration or submission, particularly among lower-ranking individuals. The intensity and volume of this cackle convey the level of agitation the hyena is experiencing. Furthermore, the pitch of this “laugh” can reveal the hyena’s age, while variations in the frequency of notes within the call can communicate its social rank.
Other Hyena Vocalizations
Beyond the well-known “laugh,” hyenas possess a diverse vocal repertoire, comprising up to 14 different sounds. One prominent vocalization is the “whoop,” a loud, modulated call that can travel up to five kilometers, serving as a long-distance communication tool. Whoops are used to announce an individual’s presence, rally clan members, or mark territory, and each hyena’s whoop is unique for individual recognition. Growls are typically used in close-range interactions, indicating aggression or serving as a warning. Softer sounds, such as groans, are often heard during friendly greetings or displays of submission between adult hyenas. Mothers also use groans to call their cubs from dens. Whines, sometimes called “squitter” sounds, are high-pitched noises primarily made by cubs to signal their desire to nurse. Another vocalization, “lowing,” resembles a cow’s moo and is employed to excite clan members during a hunt, helping to coordinate their efforts against larger prey.
Communication and Social Structure
These diverse vocalizations are fundamental to the complex social structure of spotted hyenas, which live in matriarchal clans that can number up to 130 individuals. Hyena societies operate as “fission-fusion” groups, where members frequently split into smaller foraging parties and later reconvene, necessitating sophisticated communication. Vocalizations play an important role in maintaining the clan’s hierarchy, where females typically hold dominant positions over males. Calls help coordinate group activities, such as cooperative hunting of large prey or defending their territory from rival clans and other predators. For example, the whoop can recruit clanmates to a food source or alert them to danger. Specific messages conveyed through different calls help reinforce social bonds and ensure clan cohesion, important for their survival. This intricate system allows hyenas to manage their social dynamics and navigate their daily lives effectively.