Extant Hyena Species:
International Hyena Day 2025 (27th April): The four extant species of hyena or hyaenids found on the African continent are facing increasing threats, leading to population declines, according to conservation organisation, Wild Africa.
- Hyenas are dog-like carnivores belonging to the family Hyaenidae, native to Asia and Africa, noted for their scavenging habits.
- There are four extant hyena species:
- Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta)
- Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena)
- Brown Hyena (Parahyaena brunnea)
- Aardwolf (Proteles cristatus)
- Habitat: Forest edges, grasslands, savannas, sub-deserts, and mountains up to 13,000 feet elevation.
- Distribution: Across Africa, parts of the Middle East, and Asia.
- Conservation Status (IUCN)
- Spotted Hyena: Least Concern but declining, with fewer than 50,000 individuals remaining.
- Striped Hyena: Near Threatened, with less than 10,000 mature individuals.
- Brown Hyena: Near Threatened, with just over 10,000 in the wild.
- Aardwolf: Least Concern, though exact numbers are unknown due to their elusive nature.
