Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
Spotted Hyena: Scavenger and hunter of savannas and bushlands.
| Scientific name | Crocuta crocuta |
|---|---|
| Swahili name | Fisi |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Hyaenidae |
| Size | Male: 40-86 kg; Female: 45-70 kg |
How to identify
Large and robust body; yellowish-brown fur with distinct black spots; broad head with strong jaws; females are typically larger than males; bushy and relatively short tail
Habitat
Open woodland savanna, open grasslands, shrublands, and semi-arid areas
Diet
Carnivorous, primarily feeding on carcasses of large mammals, also actively hunts antelopes, zebras, etc.
When it is active
Mainly nocturnal, more active at dusk and dawn
Where it lives
Primarily distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, especially widespread in Kenya, Tanzania (including Maasai Mara and Serengeti)
How to spot it
Observe at dusk or night using infrared lights; easier to spot in open woodland savanna areas; maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbance
Photography tips
Use telephoto lenses to capture hunting and social behaviors; low-light equipment or infrared lights needed for night photography; focus on strong jaws and spotted features
Threats
Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, hunting
Similar species
Striped hyena (smaller with distinct stripes); brown hyena (more uniform coloration with fewer spots)
