SPOTTED HYAENA
Crocuta crocuta
LEAST CONCERN
STATUS & CONSERVATION
Even though the IUCN red list categorizes spotted hyaenas as a species of least-concern, their populations are in decline, especially outside protected areas. These declines are mainly traced back to habitat-destruction and human persecution. Sometimes, humans poison and thereby wipe out an entire clan. Like other large carnivores, hyaenas suffer from a reduction of their main prey-base through habitat-loss and human activities. As of today, between 27,000 and 47,000 free-ranging individuals remain, with the largest populations found in the Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania and Kenya. Since hyaenas are active at night, they also frequently become victim to unwanted accidents with vehicles that drive through the dark.
Hyaenas are formidable endurance hunters and capable of taking down medium to large prey
a reduction of their main prey-base through habitat-loss and human activities. As of today, between 27,000 and 47,000 free-ranging individuals remain, with the largest populations found in the Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania and Kenya. Since hyaenas are active at night, they also frequently become victim to unwanted accidents with vehicles that drive through the dark.
STATUS & CONSERVATION
Even though the IUCN red list categorizes spotted hyaenas as a species of least-concern, their populations are in decline, especially outside protected areas. These declines are mainly traced back to habitat-destruction and human persecution. Sometimes, humans poison and thereby wipe out an entire clan. Like other large carnivores, hyaenas suffer from
The Wild Entrust research program
Using camera traps deployed near carcasses, latrines, and water sources, BPC collects valuable information on the presence and behavior of spotted hyaenas. In addition, we opportunistically conduct follows during which we systematically record behavior and clan composition. This helps to better understand the biology and ecology of this poorly understood carnivore.
The Wild Entrust research program
Using camera traps deployed near carcasses, latrines, and water sources, BPC collects valuable information on the presence and behavior of spotted hyaenas. In addition, we opportunistically conduct follows during which we systematically record behavior and clan composition. This helps to better understand the biology and ecology of this poorly understood carnivore.