Hyenas the native to the African savannah are usually looked down upon in the cat family, they are seen as scavengers but are actually formidable hunters. They are social animals as they live in groups called clans and are also territorial. Their laughter is a sophisticated way of communication with their clan members, by feeding on carcasses they help in cleaning up the ecosystem, thereby preventing the spread of diseases and bringing about balance.
Hyenas give birth to 1-3 cubs, are excellent mothers with a gestation period of 98-110 days, the cubs are born with their eyes open contrary to other animal species and they suckle 12-18 months.
Hyenas are extremely intelligent, they are able to determine the number of hyenas in the rival clan before making a move or deciding to join them.
The females are larger than males due to high testosterone in females and their genitalia resembles that of males making people think that they are hermaphrodites.
They have the strongest jaw of all the cat family with a well-developed digestive system that can digest bones and skin with ease.
They live longer than any other animal in the cat family up to 35 years.
They are found in various countries in Africa like Kenyan Park Masai mara national reserve Lake Nakuru National park and Amboseli National Park.