Hyenas are often associated with a distinctive “laugh,” a sound popularized in media. However, this notion does not apply to all hyena species. The striped hyena, a unique carnivore, produces a different range of vocalizations. This article explores the sounds made by striped hyenas and their communicative functions.
Striped Hyena Vocalizations
Striped hyenas do not produce the cackling or “laughing” sound commonly attributed to hyenas. Their vocal repertoire is distinct and serves specific purposes within their solitary or small-group social structures. Their sounds include a variety of growls, from low rumbling to guttural expressions. They also emit soft chuckles, particularly during interactions with conspecifics.
Striped hyenas also produce roars, howls that carry over distances, and whines, often indicative of distress or submission. Snuffles and snorts are common sounds, typically used in close-range communication or during foraging activities.
Meaning of Hyena Sounds
The diverse sounds produced by striped hyenas serve various communicative functions. A low growl, for instance, often acts as a warning signal, indicating agitation or a territorial claim. Soft chuckles are observed during non-aggressive encounters, such as greetings or social bonding. These sounds help maintain social cohesion in their small family units.
Roars can be used to assert dominance or as a long-distance communication tool, possibly for territorial defense or to signal presence. Whines convey submission, fear, or distress, particularly among younger individuals or in subordinate interactions. Snuffles and snorts are associated with foraging behavior, indicating food or serving as close-range communication within a small group.
Distinguishing Striped Hyenas from Other Hyena Species
The widely recognized “cackling” or “laughing” sound is characteristic of the spotted hyena, a different species. Spotted hyenas, known for their complex social structures and large clans, utilize this high-pitched vocalization in various contexts, including excitement during a kill or submission within hierarchical groups. This acoustic difference distinguishes the vocal communication between the two species.
Striped hyenas generally live solitary lives or in small family units, contrasting sharply with the highly social clans of spotted hyenas. This difference in social organization directly influences their vocal repertoire, making it less complex than that of spotted hyenas. Striped hyenas rely on their distinct set of growls, roars, and whines to navigate their social interactions and communicate within their ecological niche.