Facts about Brown Hyenas -- Hyaena brunnea:

A summary of most interesting statistics (size, gestation...), amazing environmental adaptations & fascinating facts about social habits, etc.

SIZE: The brown hyena is slightly smaller than the spotted hyena

COLOUR: Dark brown in colour, black face and long pointed ears.

SOUNDS / CALLS: Although very noisy at a carcass or kill, they do not make the laughing sound of the spotted hyena.

SENSES: They have a well-developed sense of smell and hearing.

DEFENCE: Brown hyenas can be dangerous, and will attack humans if cornered. They can run 50 km an hour over several kilometres.

MOST LIKE: Aardwolf and spotted hyena

HABITAT: Dry savannah is the preferred habitat of the brown hyena. They are not very dependant on water and live in arid areas.

SOCIAL HABITS: They are territorial, marking their territory with a secretion from the anal gland. Brown Hyenas are normally solitary animals, but form small packs to hunt if necessary. When they form a pack, a temporary hierarch is established.

FOOD / FEEDING HABITS: Brown hyenas are scavengers who feed off remains of kills, insects, fruit, birds and eggs. They have strong teeth and jaws.

REPRODUCTION & GESTATION PERIOD: It is easy to determine their sex, unlike the spotted hyena. Two to four cubs are born after a gestation period of three months, and maturity is reached at 3 years.

LIFESPAN / POTENTIAL LONGEVITY: Brown hyenas can live to 20 years in captivity.

CONSERVATION STATUS: Although not an endangered animal, Brown hyena numbers are low. There is no satisfactory explanation as to why these animals are so rare.

ENEMIES / MORTALITY: The major mortality factors are: old age, disease and confrontation with lions.

DISTRIBUTION: The brown hyena is mainly found in Southern Africa, but is mainly confined to nature reserves. They are very rare and seldom seen in the Kruger National Park.

DISTRIBUTION MAP:

WHERE FOUND:
Kruger National Park (South Africa)
Pilanesberg National Park (South Africa)
Addo Elephant National Park
Kalahari Gemsbok National Park