International Hyena Day | Hyena Species, Distribution, Conservation

International Hyena Day is celebrated on April 27th every year. The purpose of the celebration of the day is to change the public perspective about Hyena animal and their importance on Earth. There are four species of Hyena (لگڑ بگڑ). These include Spotted Hyena, Striped Hyena, Brown Hyena, and Aardwolf Hyena. Hyena Conservation and Protection of Hyena Habitat are the primary concerns for these Hyena species. Interesting facts about hyena also highlight their importance. Hyenas also have an important role in the ecosystem in disease prevention as the Hyena Scavenger. Hyena in Urdu is called لگڑ بگھا، لگڑ بگڑ، لگڑ بگا۔

Difficult Birth in Hyena and Other Animals 

History and Importance of International Hyena Day

Hyena (لگڑ بگڑ) Animals have been portrayed as villains in books and movies. Therefore, International Hyena Day aims to challenge these misconceptions about hyenas. In addition, this day highlights their adaptability and intelligence. Moreover, this day allows us to learn about their role in the African ecosystem as they provide waste disposal services as Hyena Scavenger. This day also highlights issues related to Hyena Habitat and Conservation.

Wildlife Laws in Pakistan 

Characteristics of Hyena Animal

Its characteristics also include some interesting facts about Hyena. They are very intelligent mammals. These animals live in clans of 10 to 120 animals. Their size varies between different Hyena species. They have short torsos. Their forelegs are high while their hind legs are short. The neck of this Hyena Animal is thick and short. They have short, blunt, and nonretractable claws. Almost, all species of hyenas have rich hairs and stripped Coat except spotted hyenas. Primarily, they are nocturnal but also they are skilled hunters. They have importance as Hyena scavenger.

There are also some interesting facts about Hyena regarding its gender. Male hyenas are larger than females except for spotted hyenas. The female spotted hyena dominates the male due to its weight. Also, their external genitalia resemble males.

World Tapir Day and Tapir Characteristics 

Hyena Scavenger and Stomach

This is one of the interesting facts about hyena. Hyenas are scavengers and even can eat the leftovers of other predators. Their skull is similar to canids. They have very acidic stomach. So, they can digest the bones, hooves, horns, and even teeth of their prey. They have the strongest jaws due to which they can crush bones. Hyena can kill a dog with a single bite. Moreover, they can also get nutrients from the skin.

As Hyena scavenger, they play a vital role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Due to their Scavenging ability, they protect humans and animals from diseases like Anthrax and Bovine Tuberculosis.

Habitat and Distribution of Hyena Animal

Hyena Habitat includes woodlands, savannas, forest edges, and Grasslands. Mountains up to 4000 Meters also Hyena Habitat. They are found in Sub Saharan deserts of South Africa, Tanzania and Namibia. They also exist in South Sudan, South Africa, Kenya, and Ethiopia.

Species of Hyena Animal

There are four species of Hyena ( لگڑ بگڑ ).

Spotted Hyena

Spotted hyenas are also called laughing hyenas. These Hyenas are strong hunters. On the other hand, they are also scavengers as they are omnivorous animals. They have extensive vocal range to communicate with clan members. This communication is like giggles, yells, grunts, etc. Interestingly, their giggle sounds like a human laugh. They live in clans. Moreover, they mark their territory by secreting an oily substance from anal glands.

Brown Hyena

This Hyena Animal is also called Strandwolf. They are different from the other three hyena species. These Hyenas have long shaggy brown coat, pointed ears, and short tail. They can live nomadically or within a clan. They use feces or scent markings to communicate with clan members.

Stripped Hyena

These Hyenas are a little bit smaller than brown and spotted hyenas. They have a thick muzzle and pointed ears. Moreover, they have black stripes on their brownish-grey fur. Usually, they are solitary animals but cooperate with each other to raise their pups. They eat fruits and insects and hunt small animals and birds.

Aardwolf Hyena

These are insectivorous animals. They do not hunt animals. Unlike this, they eat insects and their larvae. These Hyena species are nocturnal in Behavior. So, they rest during the daytime and come out at night to seek food for themselves.

گیرینک (زرافہ ہرن) کے حوالے سے دلچسپ حقائق، ڈاکٹر مجاہد حسین

Hyena Conservation

This animal has least concern status in IUCN Red List. Drought has a bad effect on the food of Hyenas and other carnivores and herbivores. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is working on Hyena conservation to save and protect these animals. Their primary threats are humans. They kill them to protect their livestock. Fortunately, educating the public about their role and misconceptions is helping hyena conservation.

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Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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