Hyenas are among the most misunderstood animals, frequently misidentified by the general public. Their physical traits, such as their running gait and large muzzle, often lead people to incorrectly associate them with the canine family. Understanding a hyena’s true classification reveals a unique evolutionary path independent of dogs and highlights a surprising kinship with a different group of carnivores. This article will clarify the hyena’s specific taxonomic position.
The Family Hyaenidae
Hyenas belong to the order Carnivora, a large group of mammals defined by their diet and the presence of specialized shearing teeth called carnassials. Within this order, they are classified into their own distinct biological grouping: the Family Hyaenidae. This family is characterized by a robust skeletal structure, disproportionately long forelegs compared to their hind legs, and a powerful neck and shoulder girdle. These physical adaptations allow the largest species to dismember carcasses and carry heavy pieces of prey.
The Family Hyaenidae is one of the smallest carnivore families, containing only four extant species, yet they play a significant ecological role. Most members of this group are known for their exceptional bone-crushing capabilities, enabled by massive jaw muscles and specialized teeth. This allows them to utilize all parts of a carcass, providing a vital clean-up service within their habitats.
Taxonomic Context Within Carnivora
The order Carnivora is split into two major suborders: the Caniformia, or “dog-like” carnivores, and the Feliformia, or “cat-like” carnivores. Despite their outward resemblance to dogs, hyenas are definitively classified within the Feliformia suborder, placing them in the same evolutionary lineage as cats, civets, and mongooses. The dog-like appearance of hyenas is a result of convergent evolution, where two distantly related species develop similar traits due to adapting to comparable environmental pressures.
Scientific classification relies on specific anatomical features, particularly the structure of the skull. A defining characteristic of all feliforms, including hyenas, is the internal partition of the auditory bullae, the bony capsules enclosing the middle and inner ear. Feliforms possess a double-chambered bulla, while caniforms have a single or partially divided structure.
Furthermore, their dental formula and the morphology of their carnassial teeth align more closely with the cat lineage. Feliforms generally have fewer teeth and a shorter rostrum compared to caniforms, reflecting a more specialized, meat-focused diet. Molecular and genetic studies analyzing DNA sequences have consistently confirmed this placement.
The Four Distinct Species of Hyena
The Family Hyaenidae is composed of four surviving species, each occupying a specialized niche in their respective ranges across Africa and Asia. The largest and most widely recognized is the Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta), famous for its complex, matriarchal social structure and its ability to hunt large prey. These animals possess the strongest bite force among the family, enabling them to crush the femurs of large ungulates. They are highly social and communicate through a wide array of vocalizations, including the distinctive “laughing” sound.
The Brown Hyena (Parahyaena brunnea) is a shaggy-coated species found primarily in the arid regions of Southern Africa, generally exhibiting a more solitary lifestyle. The Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is medium-sized and distinguished by its vertical dark stripes, inhabiting North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of India. Both the brown and striped hyenas are predominantly scavengers, supplementing their diet with small animals and plant matter.
The fourth species, the Aardwolf (Proteles cristata), represents the most significant divergence within the family. Unlike its relatives, the aardwolf is a specialized insectivore, feeding almost exclusively on termites and other insects. It lacks the powerful bone-crushing jaws of the other hyenas, possessing a slender skull and a long, sticky tongue perfectly suited for lapping up thousands of termites.