Hyenas are carnivores recognized for their distinctive vocalizations and complex social structures. Their coats display a diversity in shades and patterns, challenging the common perception that all hyenas look alike. Each hyena species has unique coloration adapted to its way of life.
General Appearance of Hyenas
The spotted hyena, the largest and most common of the hyena species. Its typical coat ranges from a pale grayish-brown to a yellowish-gray, serving as a base for its characteristic markings. Irregular, roundish spots, which can be reddish, deep brown, or almost blackish, are superimposed across its back and hindquarters. This species has short, coarse fur, and while it lacks the pronounced spinal mane seen in some other hyenas, it does possess a slightly darker crest of hair along its neck and shoulders.
Diverse Coloration Across Hyena Species
The striped hyena has a coat that is generally light gray to beige, marked by prominent black vertical stripes on its body and legs. A long, erect mane of hair runs from behind its ears to the base of its tail, often appearing lighter at the base and darker at the tips. This mane can be raised to make the animal appear larger when threatened.
The brown hyena has shaggy, dark brown to black fur, which is notably long across its body and neck. A distinctive cream-colored mane extends from the back of its neck to its shoulders, contrasting with its darker body. Its legs may have brown and gray stripes.
The aardwolf, the smallest member of the hyena family. Its fur is typically yellowish-white or pale tan, adorned with several vertical black stripes along its sides and legs. It also has one or two diagonal stripes on its hindquarters and multiple stripes on its legs. A long, dark mane runs down its neck and back, which can be erected to create a larger appearance.
The Purpose of Hyena Coloration
The diverse coloration in hyenas primarily serves as effective camouflage within their natural habitats. Their varied shades of brown, gray, and tan, combined with spots or stripes, help them blend seamlessly into the savannas, grasslands, and arid regions they inhabit. These patterns disrupt their body outlines against the dappled light and shadows of their environment, assisting them in both hunting prey and avoiding detection from other animals.
While camouflage is a primary function, the manes of striped hyenas and aardwolves can play a minor role in social communication. These manes can be raised to make the animal appear larger, which can be used in interactions or as a threat display. Furthermore, fur color can vary with age, particularly in spotted hyenas, whose cubs are born with soft, dark brown or black hair that gradually lightens as spots emerge around one to four months of age. As they age, their fur may become fluffier, sometimes temporarily obscuring their spot patterns.