Hyenas are fascinating creatures, known for their unique social structures and intriguing behaviors. While many animals have distinct names for their male and female counterparts, such as lions and lionesses, the terminology for hyenas is simpler. This often prompts curiosity about the specific name for a female hyena.
The Name of a Female Hyena
A female hyena is simply called a “female hyena” or, more generally, a “hyena.” Unlike species with unique terms for their sexes, such as a “doe” for a female deer or a “sow” for a female pig, there is no distinct single word for a female hyena. The term “hyena” applies to both males and females.
This simple naming convention contrasts with the complex biology that sets female hyenas apart. While the name offers no special distinction, the physiology and social roles of female hyenas are unusual among mammals. Their distinct characteristics make them unique.
Distinctive Biology of Female Hyenas
Female spotted hyenas exhibit unique biological and social traits that distinguish them from males and most other mammalian species. Within their social groups, known as clans, females are larger and more muscular than males. Adult females can weigh between 120 to over 150 pounds, while males range from 100 to 130 pounds. This increased size contributes to their higher social standing within the clan.
Spotted hyena society is matriarchal, meaning females hold dominant positions over males. This hierarchy is so pronounced that even the lowest-ranking female in a clan outranks the highest-ranking male. Females lead hunts, make decisions for the group, and control access to resources like food and den sites. This dominance is inherited, with female offspring assuming a rank immediately below their mother.
A striking biological feature of female spotted hyenas is their virilized external genitalia, known as a pseudo-penis. This enlarged clitoris resembles a male penis in appearance and function. The female also lacks an external vaginal opening, as her labia are fused, forming a pseudo-scrotum that can contain fat and connective tissue, contributing to a masculinized appearance.
The pseudo-penis serves several functions for the female hyena; she urinates, copulates, and gives birth through this single urogenital canal. This unique anatomy presents challenges, particularly during reproduction. Mating requires the female’s full cooperation, as she must retract her pseudo-penis to allow the male to intromit, giving her control over mate selection.
Birthing through this narrow canal is difficult and risky. The birth canal is only slightly larger than the cub, and the clitoris can rupture during delivery, which can take weeks to heal. This anatomical constraint results in a mortality rate for first-born cubs, with many suffocating during the process.
The development of these distinctive features is linked to hormonal influences. Elevated levels of androgens, particularly androstenedione, are thought to contribute to the virilization of female genitalia and their aggressive behaviors. While research indicates that adult female hyenas may not always have higher testosterone levels than males, exposure to these hormones during fetal development is believed to play a role in their masculine morphology and behavior. This hormonal environment is thought to confer an advantage in their competitive social structure, producing more aggressive offspring better suited for survival.