Why in News?

The Striped Hyena has recently been in the news due to growing focus on its ecological role as a scavenger, new studies on its presence in human-dominated landscapes, rare sightings, and concerns over its conservation.

Experts have stressed the need for better population data, habitat protection and public awareness, as negative beliefs and superstitions continue to affect the species.

Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena)

About: The striped hyena belongs to the family Hyaenidae. It is one of the three “true” hyena species, along with the spotted hyena and brown hyena. The family also includes the aardwolf.

Behaviour: It is mainly nocturnal, solitary and elusive. Unlike the highly social spotted hyena, striped hyenas usually live alone or in small family groups.

Habitat: It prefers arid and semi-arid landscapes, grasslands, scrublands, savannas, open woodlands and rocky areas.

Distribution: Its range extends across parts of Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia, including India. In India, it occurs across a broad but fragmented range, particularly in dry and semi-arid landscapes.

Population: Global estimates commonly cited are around 5,000–14,000 individuals, while estimates for India are around 1,000–3,000. However, India does not have a comprehensive nationwide census specifically for striped hyenas.

Ecological Importance

Striped hyenas are primarily scavengers. By feeding on carcasses and animal remains, they act as natural ecosystem cleaners, help recycle nutrients and reduce the accumulation of decaying organic matter.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I protection under the amended Act.

Major Threats

Major threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, road mortality, persecution, decline in food resources and negative cultural beliefs or superstitions. Misconceptions about the species can also lead to fear and retaliatory killing.

Way Forward

Greater community awareness, scientific research and population monitoring are required. A coordinated conservation approach is particularly important because striped hyenas frequently occur outside protected areas and in human-dominated landscapes.

Prelims Pointer: Striped Hyena → Hyaenidae family | Nocturnal scavenger | IUCN: Near Threatened | WPA: Schedule I.