The hyena is common in
Luangwa and
Kafue
national parks. They feed on carrion but are also hunters in their own right.
Bones left over at a kill are cracked open
with their powerful jaws and consumed. Because of the high calcium content in these bones,
hyena droppings are white, like chalk.
Spotted hyenas are organized
into territorial clans of related individuals that defend their home ranges
against intruding clans. The center of clan activity is the den, where the
cubs are raised and individuals meet. The den is usually situated on high
ground in the central part of the territory. Its above-ground entrances are
connected to a series of underground tunnels.
They live in holes in the ground where they
breed, having one or two in a litter, the young looking like cute little brown puppies.
Their gestation period is three and half
months and they can live up to forty years. Their drawn out laugh-like call can often be
heard from the camps at night. They usually move at night but can be seen in the day.
When a hyena's tail is carried
straight, for example, it signals attack. When it is held up and forward
over the back, the hyena is extremely excited. In contrast, it hangs down
when the hyena is standing or walking leisurely. If frightened, the hyena
tucks its tail between the legs and flat against the belly and usually
skulks away.
The powerful jaws and digestive
tract of the hyena allow it to process and obtain nutrients from skin and
bones. The only parts of prey not fully digested are hair, horns and hooves;
these are regurgitated in the form of pellets.
Among
the species that prey on hyenas are Lions (who will attack them at
every opportunity), hunting dogs and other hyenas.
SPOTTED
HYENA