Brown Hyena Animal Facts | Hyaena brunnea

The Brown Hyena, also known as the strandwolf, is a species of hyena native to southern Africa.

Brown Hyena

Here are some facts about the Brown Hyena:

Topic	Information
Scientific Classification	– Kingdom: Animalia
	– Phylum: Chordata
	– Class: Mammalia
	– Order: Carnivora
	– Family: Hyaenidae
	– Genus: Hyaena
	– Species: Hyaena brunnea
Origins and Distribution	Brown Hyenas are native to the arid regions of southern Africa, including countries such as Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana. They inhabit desert and semi-desert environments.
Characteristics	Physical Appearance: Brown Hyenas are medium-sized hyenas with shaggy brown or grayish-brown fur and a dark face mask. They have a hump of muscle on their back and relatively long legs.
	Size: Adult Brown Hyenas typically weigh between 66 to 99 pounds (30 to 45 kilograms) and stand about 28 to 32 inches (71 to 81 centimeters) at the shoulder.
Behavior and Lifestyle	Brown Hyenas are primarily nocturnal and solitary hunters. They are opportunistic scavengers and can consume a wide range of food, including carrion, small mammals, birds, and insects.
Reproduction and Life Cycles	Brown Hyenas have a social structure where females dominate males. They reproduce sexually, with females giving birth to litters of typically two to three cubs. The gestation period is about 90 days.
Diet and Prey	They are opportunistic scavengers, feeding on carrion and hunting small mammals, birds, and insects. They have powerful jaws and teeth to consume bones and tough food items.
Predators and Threats	Brown Hyenas have few natural predators, but they face threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and persecution by humans due to superstitions and beliefs.
Interesting Facts and Features	Shaggy Fur: The shaggy appearance of their fur helps insulate them from temperature extremes in their arid habitat.
	Unique Behavior: Brown Hyenas are known for their distinctive vocalizations, including whooping calls and giggling sounds, which are used for communication.
Relationship with Humans	Brown Hyenas have a complex relationship with humans, as they are often persecuted due to superstitions and beliefs. Conservation efforts are in place to protect their population.