Brown Hyena
Parahyaena brunnea
Brown Hyena scavenges and hunts small animals in African dry grasslands and deserts.
| Scientific name | Parahyaena brunnea |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | Near Threatened |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Hyaenidae |
| Size | Male: approximately 40-50 kg; Female: approximately 40-50 kg |
How to identify
Body hair is long and coarse, brown with stripes; hair on neck and back is longer, forming a mane; face is darker with white spots; tail is bushy and long; ears are large and rounded.
Habitat
Arid grasslands, shrublands, semi-desert areas, and open wastelands
Diet
Primarily scavenger, also preys on small mammals, birds, and insects; omnivorous with a carnivorous bias.
When it is active
Mainly nocturnal, more active at dusk and dawn.
Where it lives
Mainly distributed in southern Africa, including Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and parts of South Africa.
How to spot it
Observe at night or dusk using infrared night vision equipment; remain quiet in open areas to avoid disturbance.
Photography tips
Use telephoto lenses to photograph nocturnal activity, pay attention to stability in low light; capture its unique mane and facial features.
Threats
Habitat loss, hunting, competition for food resources
Similar species
Spotted hyena (larger, with distinct spotted coat, highly social); Striped hyena (smaller, with distinct stripes).
