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Eversdal

Report Grade 7

The Brown Hyena

Brown Hyena Spotted Hyena
The brown hyena is dark brown with a grey head and striped legs. It has long pale hair on its neck, shoulders and tail. The ears are upright and pointed. It is 80 cm high at the shoulder and the forequarters are higher and more powerful than the hindquarters.

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Scientific name:  Hyaena brunnea

  

The spotted hyena is brown-grey with dark spots and a dark brown face. It has short hair on its body. The ears are rounded. It is 80 cm high at the shoulder and the forequarters are higher and more powerful than the hindquarters.

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Scientific name:  Crocuta crocuta

 

Where and how the brown hyena lives?
The brown hyena lives in Southern Africa. It prefers dry areas like the north western parts of South Africa, the Kalahari and Namibia. (Martie & Nicola)

Eating habits:
The brown hyena usually eats fish and crabs. It also scavenges on carrion (like dead seals and whales that wash out on the beach), eggs and insects. It eats melons for water. They rely on their smell because their eyesight is poorly developed. When there is no man near they will hunt, but they usually hunt alone unlike the spotted hyena who hunts in packs. They can digest hair, hooves, bones and horns. They have been known to steal and eat aluminium pans from campsites. (Nicole, Ine & Michelle)

Reproduction:
Nomadic males who wander around will mate with territorial females. Up to four puppies are born in a litter and are cared for by the group.

Habits:
The brown hyena shelters in holes in the ground or among rocks and in dense vegetation. They live in groups but hunt alone.

How can we help them?

Pictures and Information
Encarta 1997 & 1998 - Microsoft & Grolier 1997
The wildlife of Southern Africa – Vincent Carruthers (ed.)
South African Animals in the Wild – Anthony Bannister

Other sites:  The Hyena Pages