GWC Volunteers recently captured images of a brown hyena on the reserve. Little is known about this nocturnal and elusive carnivore. A few studies have been done and in particular on the skeleton coast inNamibia. The brown hyena’s coat is long and shaggy, particularly on the tail and back. The general fur color is dark brown, while the head is gray, the upper body tawny and the legs grey with dark horizontal stripes. Erectile hairs cover the neck and back. Brown hyenas have powerful jaws and can easily crack bones, though this ability deteriorates with age as their teeth gradually wear. The skulls of brown hyenas are larger than those of the more northern striped hyenas, and their dentition is more robust, indicating less generalised dietary adaptations. Brown hyenas have social hierarchy like wolves, with an alpha male and alpha female. They are social animals that may live in clans consisting of one adult of each gender and associated young, though there are reports of clans composed of four males and six females. It is thought that in the latter situation, there is at least one dominant male. Brown hyenas maintain a stable clan hierarchy through ritualized aggressive displays and mock fights. They typically forage alone, and do not maintain a territory, instead using common hunting paths. Brown Hyena studies are currently being conducted on the reserve and we hope learn and see more of this amazing animal.
Dave Pugh – GWC Volunteers Project Director
Brown Hyena captured on a camera trap
Galagos Wildlife Conservation 