Hyena
From the Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia that anyone can change
Hyenas are mammals. They are the family Hyaenidae, in the order Carnivora. Hyenas live in Africa, and in west and south Asia. There are three types of hyena. The Brown Hyena, Striped Hyena, and the Spotted Hyena.
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[change] Appearence and Biology
Although Hyenas look much like canids, they are actually in the family Herpestidea, the same as mongoose and meerkats. All species of Hyena walk much like a bear because their front legs are longer than their back. The Brown and Stripes Hyena have striped fur with a maine covering their neck. The Spotted Hyena's fur is shorter and spotted, instead of striped. The Spotted Hyena's maine is reversed foreward, instead of back, like the other species. Hyenas are known to have the worlds strongest bite power, but it is not in proportion. For example, the Tazmanian Devil has a more powerful bite, in proportion.
[change] Grouping and Society
Hyenas, particularly Spotted Hyenas are very intellegant creatures. Spotted Hyena's society is more complicated than most other carnivorous mammals, and have been compared to primate's. They work together very well and are very cooperative. They have very strategic hunting methods and stay close to their kill to protect it from predators.
[change] Taxonomy
- Family Hyaenidae
- Subfamily Hyaeninae
- Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta)
- Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena)
- Brown Hyena (Parahyaena brunnea)
- Subfamily Protelinae
- Aardwolf (Proteles cristatus)
- Subfamily Hyaeninae
[change] Gallery
 A Spotted Hyena in a zoo. |
 a Striped Hyena |
 a Brown Hyena |
 an Aardwolf |
