Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
- Class
- Mammal
- Rarity
- Common
- Observations
- 6,570
- Most observed in
- 🇿🇦 South Africa
- Conservation
- Least Concern
Description
The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), also known as the laughing hyena, is a hyena species, currently classed as the sole extant member of the genus Crocuta, native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is listed as being of least concern by the IUCN due to its widespread range and large numbers estimated between 27,000 and 47,000 individuals. The species is, however, experiencing declines outside of protected areas due to habitat loss and poaching.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “Spotted hyena”.