HYENAS - ENVIRONMENT
News: International Hyena Day: We
must pave the way for a future where striped hyenas can thrive in Purulia’s
wilderness
What's in the news?
●
Amidst the scrublands of Purulia, West Bengal,
thrives a lesser-known carnivore — the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena).
●
Often shrouded in myth and misconception, these
fascinating animals are vital in maintaining the ecosystem’s health.
Key takeaways:
●
They fulfil a crucial
ecological role as scavengers, aiding in the natural recycling of nutrients
and maintaining a balance within the ecosystem.
●
However, factors such as habitat loss,
human-wildlife conflict, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade have led to a
steep decline in their population across their range, including Purulia in West
Bengal.
Hyenas:
●
Hyenas are dog-like
carnivores found in Asia and Africa and are noted for their scavenging
habits.
Family: Hyaenidae
Species:
●
Spotted Hyenas (Crocuta
crocuta)
●
Brown Hyenas (Arahyaena
brunnea)
●
Striped Hyenas (Hyaena
hyaena).
○
Spotted hyenas are the largest of the three.
Habitat:
●
Forest edges, grasslands, savannas, sub-deserts,
and even mountains at an elevation of about 13,000 feet.
Distribution:
●
These animals live throughout Africa, the Middle
East, and parts of Asia.
Features:
●
They are four-legged animals with scraggly fur and
large ears.
●
They have long
forelegs and a powerful neck and shoulders for dismembering and carrying
prey.
●
They are tireless trotters with excellent sight,
hearing, and smell for locating carrion, and they are proficient hunters as
well.
●
All hyenas are more or less nocturnal.
●
These animals usually live for about 12 years, but
they can live up to 25 years. Brown hyenas, however, typically have shorter
lives.
IUCN Conservation
Status:
●
Spotted Hyenas - Least Concern.
●
Brown and Striped Hyenas - Near Threatened.