The distinctive vocalizations of spotted hyenas, often described as a “laugh,” have long fascinated observers. This sound is not an expression of amusement, but a complex form of communication within their intricate social structures. It conveys important information among clan members.
The Distinctive Cackle
The sound commonly referred to as a hyena’s “laugh” is more accurately termed a cackle. This high-pitched, staccato vocalization consists of a rapid succession of notes. The intensity and volume of these sounds correlate with the hyena’s emotional state, such as distress or excitement. This cackle is predominantly produced by spotted hyenas, distinguishing them from other hyena species.
Unpacking the Message
The cackle carries various messages within a hyena clan. One common context for this vocalization is during moments of frustration or agitation, particularly around food. A hyena might cackle when vying for access to a kill or when a higher-ranking individual denies it food. It can also signal excitement, such as during a chase or upon discovering prey, alerting other clan members to a food source.
Beyond conveying emotional states, the cackle provides information about the individual hyena. Variations in the cackle’s pitch and frequency can indicate the animal’s age, identity, and social status within the clan. For example, younger or subordinate hyenas may produce higher-pitched cackles. This acoustic signature allows clan members to recognize specific individuals, even when out of sight.
The cackle can also function as a rallying call, particularly in competitive situations. When a solitary hyena encounters a large carcass or faces competition from other predators like lions, its cackle may serve to attract other clan members for assistance. This communication helps coordinate group activities, such as defending a kill or securing resources, reinforcing social bonds and hierarchy within the clan.
A Symphony of Sounds
The cackle is one component of the spotted hyena’s extensive vocal repertoire, which includes more than 11 distinct sounds. Hyenas use a range of vocalizations for communicative purposes across different distances and social contexts. The “whoop” is a loud, far-carrying call that can travel for miles, used for long-distance communication to announce presence or call for reinforcements during hunts. Each hyena’s whoop is unique, allowing for individual recognition.
Other vocalizations include growls, grunts, and groans. Growls serve as warnings, indicating aggression or a desire for space. Groans can be produced in social interactions, such as a mother calling her cubs from a den, and their acoustic properties vary based on context. Lowing sounds may signal excitement during a hunt, encouraging group coordination for taking down larger prey. This diverse array of sounds, combined with body language and scent marking, forms a sophisticated communication system.