A Hyena in Africa Stock Photo by harrycollinsphotography Biology Diagrams Hyenas belong to their own family, Hyaenidae, which consists of four different species: the brown hyena, striped hyena, spotted hyena, and the aardwolf. Contrary to popular belief, hyenas are highly-skilled hunters who can take down prey that are larger than them, such as wildebeests, antelopes, and sometimes even lions. Below, let's explore
Where does the hyena sit in the food chain? Hyenas are apex predators that sit at the top of the food chain. They prey upon a number of herbivores, including gazelles, impalas, wildebeests and zebras. Few animals are capable of catching and killing healthy adult hyenas but lions, leopards, hunting dogs and other hyenas occasionally eat sick and
Are hyenas at the bottom of the food chain? Biology Diagrams
Spotted Hyena: The big guys, known for their freaky laughs. Brown Hyena: More of the lone wolf type, sticking to southern Africa. Striped Hyena: These look cool with their stripes and are a bit smaller, hanging out in Africa and parts of Asia. Aardwolf: The quirky cousin that prefers munching on termites.
Hyena fossils have been discovered in Africa, Asia, and Europe. However, for the past 8,000 years, the spotted hyena has only lived in Africa. This species is found all over Africa, south of the Sahara Desert. In addition, droughts caused by climate change and other human activities hurt the natural food chain. This makes it difficult for
A Detailed Guide to the Diet of Hyenas Biology Diagrams
This dietary flexibility ensures that the hyena plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, preventing the spread of disease by consuming decaying carrion and returning nutrients back into the food chain. And if you're wondering, hyenas do take care of their own.
