The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), also known as the laughing hyena, is a species, currently classed as the sole extant member of the genus , native to Africa.
The spotted hyena is the most social of the in that it has the largest group sizes and most complex social behaviours. Its social organisation is unlike that of any other carnivore, bearing closer resemblance to that of ( and ) with respect to group size, hierarchical structure, and frequency of social interaction among both kin and unrelated group-mates. However, the social system of the spotted hyena is openly competitive rather than cooperative, with access to kills, mating opportunities and the time of dispersal for males depending on the ability to other -members. Females provide only for their own cubs rather than assist each other, and males display no paternal care. Spotted hyena society is ; females are larger than males, and dominate them.
The spotted hyena is a highly successful animal, being the most common large in Africa. Its success is due in part to its adaptability and ; it is primarily a but may also , with the capacity to eat and digest skin, bone and other animal waste. In functional terms, the spotted hyena makes the most efficient use of animal matter of all African carnivores. The spotted hyena displays greater plasticity in its hunting and foraging behaviour than other African carnivores; it hunts alone, in small parties of 2–5 individuals or in large groups. During a hunt, spotted hyenas often run through ungulate herds to select an individual to attack. Once selected, their prey is chased over a long distance, often several kilometres, at speeds of up to 60 kilometres per hour (37 mph).
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Animals On Earth: Africa
De TodoHere's the second book of the Animals On Earth Series, this time it's about African Animals which includes the likes of Elephants, crocodiles, lions, meerkats, mongooses, warthogs, caracals, cheetahs, ostritches, rhinos, tick-birds, buffalo, gazzele...
