The African plains echo with the ‘laughter’ that both intrigues and unnerves. This sound belongs to the Hyenas, one of the most misunderstood species, often unappreciated and known as the greatest scavenger of the wild. But beneath the surface of the scavenging stereotype lies a powerful predator, a devoted parent and an animal of astonishing adaptation and abilities. Their efficiency in utilizing every resource available, whether hunted or scavenged, truly solidifies their reputation as the greatest scavenger in the African ecosystem. Here are some interesting facts about hyenas:
Greatest Mothers of the Wild
Unlike the gorilla, which nestles her baby in her arms, or a cat nursing her kittens, hyenas are surprisingly the best mothers. They invest more energy per cub, as they can breastfeed for six months and nurse the cub for about a year. They do not cross-suckle their cubs, even with close relatives, which is very interesting.
Hyenas give birth to one to three little cubs, falling into the wild cat carnivore group. Hyena cubs are born in a more advanced stage with their eyes wide open, teeth intact and muscles ready to go, unlike many other cubs born blind and helpless. Hyenas’ great nursing of their cubs makes them better mothers than other mammals. This dedication ensures the survival of their young, equipping them from birth to eventually become adept hunters and, of course, the greatest scavenger of the plains.
Decoding the Hyena’s Unique Physiology: Greatest Scavenger
Female spotted hyenas have a pseudo-penis and a pseudo-scrotum, both of which are similar to male genitals. The pseudo-penis acts as the female clitoris, mimicking the genitals of the male hyena.
The female urinates, mates and gives birth through this structure, which is extremely difficult and painful for hyenas to mate and give birth. This is one of the most interesting and unique facts about hyenas: both female and male hyenas having similar genital structures. Such unique adaptations contribute to their resilience, allowing them to thrive in diverse environments and maintain their status as the greatest scavenger in many ecosystems.
The Hyena’s Hunting and Scavenging Prowess
Hyenas are known to be great scavengers, often stealing other predators’ kills after their hunts. However, hyenas kill 66-90% of what they eat and are extremely versatile and successful hunters. This dual capability means they are not just the greatest scavenger but also formidable predators. Hyenas hunt in groups and in a totally different manner from other animals: while lions kill their prey and eat it dead, hyenas eat the prey alive during their hunt, giving the prey no choice but to give up. Hyenas can kill prey bigger than their size; they have been recorded killing buffaloes and giraffes. Their ability to switch between hunting and scavenging makes them the ultimate survivor, truly the greatest scavenger and predator combined.
Jaws of Power: The Bone-Crushing Strength of Hyenas
A bite that can kill and also crush bones. Spotted hyena jaws have evolved strong muscles to produce force that helps during bone crushing. With the ability to crack open bones, hyenas can access nutrient-rich marrow that is inaccessible to most other animals. This incredible strength is a key factor in why they are considered the greatest scavenger, leaving no part of a carcass to waste.
Despite their scavenging act and successful hunting, hyenas are considered to have the strongest jaws compared to lions due to their ability to crush bones. This unique adaptation allows them to maximize their food intake, reinforcing their role as the greatest scavenger in the wild.
The Remarkable Lifespan of Hyenas
Unlike other dogs or carnivores that live up to 10-15 years, hyenas can live up to their 20s in the wild, making them some of the longest-living carnivores. The longest-living hyena spotted was in captivity and lived up to 41 years and one month. This is due to the access to a lot of nutrients consumed from bones, a direct benefit of their prowess as the greatest scavenger. For hyenas to have strong jaws, it takes 35 months or nearly three years for the hyena skull to reach maturity.
The laughter and language of hyenas
Due to their complex social nature, hyenas have a vocal sound that is produced as a laughter, which humans consider a funny and weird laugh. Hyenas are often referred to as “laughing hyenas.” This laugh is used to express social anxiety and uncertainty. Their intricate communication system also plays a vital role in coordinating their group activities, whether it’s a hunt or efficiently processing a kill, further cementing their status as the greatest scavenger of the African plains.
