| |
|
Taxonomic Classification
|
Hyenas are NOT dogs!! Hyenas are closer related to mongooses
and cats. |
Care of young
|
Similar
to African Wild Dogs, Hyenas give birth in a communal den,
however there is no communal care for the pups. Not even
the fathers take a role in caring for the pups. Liter sizes in
Hyenas are very small, consisting of 1-4 pups, compared to
that of the African Wild Dog with an
average of 6-9 pups. |
| Paternal |
African Wild Dog pups are born helpless where the Hyena pups
are born with their eyes open and teeth!! |
| Reproduction |
Hyenas reach sexual maturity later. |
| Distribution |
Hyenas
and dog were once found throughout the savannah regions of Sub-Saharan
Africa. Human population and habitat loss has shrunk the ranges
of both species. African wild dogs are now found only in a few
small areas in east and southern Africa. Hyenas are much more
widespread. |
| Social Interaction |
Live
in groups and hunt cooperatively. Communicate vocally.
We already know that African Wild Dogs live in packs of
approximately
6-20
and are considered cooperative hunters. Hyenas live in
clans. A clan, which is separated into packs, can contain
up to 80 individuals!! Although Hyenas are also considered
cooperative hunters, they are competitive in nature and unlike
African Wild Dogs will fight within the clan for food or
dominance.
|
| Social Structure or Hierarchy |
Female
dominance within groups: The core of the clan is comprised
of related females forming a hierarchy. In fact
the instinctive desire for dominance is so strong in Hyenas
that newborn pups will fight immediately after
birth
to gain
dominance and right to food. It is estimated that 1 in 4
hyena pups die within the first month due to sibling fighting.
|
| Ecological Interaction |
Hyenas
are significantly more aggressive than African Wild Dogs.
Hyenas have even been known to confront lions:
not for food, but to fight. |
| |
|
