Hyenas are often misunderstood carnivores, frequently characterized solely as scavengers, but they are a distinct and adaptable family of mammals. They belong to the suborder Feliformia, which includes cats and mongooses, rather than being closely related to dogs. This lineage has adapted to African and Asian ecosystems, filling roles from social apex predator to specialized insectivore. There are four extant species, each occupying a unique ecological niche.
Defining the Four Extant Hyena Species
The family Hyaenidae is composed of four species, each belonging to its own genus. The largest is the Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta), known for its complex social structure and powerful build. The Brown Hyena (Parahyaena brunnea) is characterized by its long, shaggy coat and is found exclusively in Southern Africa. The Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is a medium-sized carnivore with a prominent dorsal mane and the widest geographic distribution, extending into the Middle East and Asia. The smallest member is the Aardwolf (Proteles cristata), which is physically distinct due to its specialized diet.
Comparative Biology: Size, Social Structure, and Range
The three larger species—Spotted, Brown, and Striped Hyenas—differ significantly in size, social complexity, and primary food source. The Spotted Hyena is the most robust, with females often weighing over 70 kilograms. It is unique for its highly complex, matriarchal clans that can number up to 90 individuals. These clans operate as fission-fusion societies, often hunting large prey like wildebeest and zebra. Studies indicate they actively kill up to 90% of their food.
The Brown Hyena is the second-largest, typically weighing between 38 and 47 kilograms, recognizable by its long, dark brown fur and pointed ears. Although they live in small clans of four to six related individuals, they are primarily solitary foragers. This is an adaptation for seeking out widely dispersed food resources such as carrion, insects, and fruit. Their range is restricted to the arid and coastal regions of Southern Africa.
The Striped Hyena is the smallest of the three bone-crushing species, averaging 20 to 45 kilograms. It has a distinctive mane that can be erected to make the animal appear larger when threatened. While historically considered solitary, they may live in small family units but consistently forage alone. Its distribution is the most expansive, covering North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of India.
The Aardwolf: A Specialized Hyena
The Aardwolf stands apart from its relatives due to its specialized, insectivorous diet. Unlike the powerful jaws of other hyenas used for crushing bone, the Aardwolf possesses weak, peg-like cheek teeth, reflecting its dependence on soft-bodied prey. It feeds almost exclusively on termites, consuming up to 300,000 in a single night using its long, sticky tongue. This strategy avoids destroying the termite mound, allowing the colony to recover and ensuring a sustainable food source.
This species is one of the smallest carnivores, weighing only 8 to 12 kilograms, and is found in two separate populations across Eastern and Southern Africa. Despite its different appearance and diet, the Aardwolf is classified within the Hyaenidae family. Its unique adaptations, including specialized dentition and reliance on insects, represent a distinct evolutionary path.