The Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is a medium-sized Afro-Asiatic viverrid featured in the Grasslands Animal Pack DLC for Planet Zoo.
Zoopedia Description
General[]
Population In Wild: 5,000 - 10,000
A generalist predator and scavenger, the striped hyena (or Hyaena hyaena) is native to North Africa, the Middle East and Western Asia. It lives in a variety of environments, from open savannahs, grass and woodlands to arid, mountainous areas. The striped hyena has strong forelimbs and a muscular neck with shorter hind legs, giving the body a sloped build. The head is broad with a wide snout, wideset eyes and large pointed ears. Striped hyenas have tan fur with vertical black stripes along their body and legs. A long mane runs along the entirety of the spine and ends in a thick, bushy tail. Both sexes are similar in appearance, though males are slightly larger and heavier than females. Male striped hyenas measure 65cm to 80cm tall at the shoulder, are 85cm to 130cm long, with the tail adding a further 25cm to 40cm, and weigh 26kg to 41kg. Females stand 60cm to 75cm tall at the shoulder, are 85cm to 105cm long with a 25cm to 40cm long tail, and weigh between 26kg and 34kg.
Striped hyenas are considered a Near Threatened species. The overall population numbers are decreasing, and they are extinct in some areas of their historical range. Their survival is challenged by habitat destruction and the resulting decrease in prey availability. Throughout history, striped hyenas were negatively depicted in folklore, leading to human persecution. Striped hyenas are pursued by poachers for their fur or as ingredients in traditional medicine.
Social[]
Striped hyenas are solitary or live in monogamous mated pairs. In the wild, they are not territorial and may tolerate other individuals within parts of their home range.
Reproduction[]
Little is known about the mating and reproductive habits of the striped hyena. Striped hyenas are monogamous, although some reports claim that females may mate with multiple males while in oestrus. Breeding season appears to either vary by location, or occur year-round in captivity or optimal conditions. Oestrus appears to last for a day, during which she will mate with her partner multiple times.
Following a gestation period of 88 to 92 days, the female hyena gives birth to a litter of 1 to 4 cubs in a den, which may be a rocky crevice or a cave. The cubs remain in the den for the first month of their lives. The mother rarely leaves their side during this time and is provided for by the father. They begin leaving the den and eating solid food that is brought to them by both their mother and father. Cubs are fully weaned by 2 months old, though some reports say nursing may continue until 12 months of age.
Juvenile striped hyenas remain with their parents until the female either becomes pregnant again or gives birth to a new litter. When leaving, they may stay together in sibling groups for a time. Striped hyenas reach sexual maturity between 2 and 3 years old, and will begin looking for a mate at this age.
Animal Care[]
|
PREFERRED OBJECTS | |
|---|---|
|
Processed Meat · Whole Carcass · Whole Carcass and Bones | |
|
FEEDING STATIONS | |
|
FOOD ENRICHMENT |
HABITAT ENRICHMENT |
|
COMPATIBLE ANIMALS |
|---|
|
Striped Hyena doesn't benefit from sharing space with other species. |
Trivia[]
Zoopedia Fun Facts[]
- The striped hyena is the national animal of Lebanon.
- North Indian folklore suggests that witches and wizards ride striped hyenas at night.
- Striped hyenas can be beneficial in urban areas because they are excellent at waste disposal; in some African villages, residents will leave rubbish out for the hyenas to eat.
- Striped hyenas are known to dig up graves and scavenge corpses, which has led to persecution by humans.
- Striped hyenas can be tamed and trained, and were used by ancient Egyptians as hunting companions.
Other Trivia[]
- The model of the Striped Hyena was edited after the screenshots revealing the animal garnered criticism.
Gallery
