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A shaggy, less common hyena of arid country.
A patient scavenger that also takes small prey.
The striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is a shaggy, long-maned hyena of the family Hyaenidae, found in the drier, rockier parts of Africa. Smaller and less social than the spotted hyena, it lives a quieter, more solitary life.
A patient scavenger, it follows large predators and feeds on bones and scraps that other carnivores leave behind. With its thick mane and sloping back, it is unmistakable in Tanzania's northern dry bush.
The striped hyena lives in drier, sparser country where food is harder to find, and it does so mostly alone or in small family groups. Its secretive, largely nocturnal habits make it far less visible than its spotted cousin.
It is also outcompeted by spotted hyenas in richer habitat. To survive, the striped hyena specialises in being adaptable and undemanding — an efficient scavenger that thrives where other carnivores cannot.
Primarily a scavenger, the striped hyena eats carrion and bones, supplemented by small prey, insects and fruit.
It scavenges by scent, walking long distances to locate carcasses and feed.
The Striped Hyena is found across parts of Africa, with its main populations in eastern and, where applicable, southern regions. Its preferred habitat is Arid bush & rocky country.
It favours arid bush & rocky country, where cover, food and shelter are in balance. Protected national parks across East Africa help maintain stable populations.
In Tanzania, the striped hyena is a rare and exciting find, restricted mainly to the drier bush country of the north.
The striped hyena can be seen in suitable dry habitat in northern Tanzania. The table below gives a realistic guide to habitat suitability.
| Destination | Habitat suitability | Sightings |
|---|---|---|
| Northern dry bush | Suitable arid habitat | Possible |
| Remote reserves | Thinly distributed | Possible |
| Night drives | Active after dark | Possible |
Striped hyenas are rarely encountered in suitable dry habitats in northern Tanzania, so individual sightings are never guaranteed.
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Lives alone or in small family groups.
A patient, efficient scavenger of bones.
Almost entirely active after dark.
Howls and whines, rarely heard by visitors.
Caves and burrows in rocky country.
Striped hyenas are often seen singly or in pairs. The mother raises the cubs in a den among rocks, and the family may remain loosely associated for a time before the young disperse.
Every feature of the Striped Hyena is finely tuned for life in arid bush & rocky country.
Vital statistics: body length approximately 90-130 cm long, weight 25-45 kg, lifespan typically around 10-12 yrs in the wild (longer in captivity).
How does the Striped Hyena compare with its fellow African carnivores?
| Feature | Striped Hyena | Spotted Hyena | African Wild Dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Hyaena hyaena | Crocuta crocuta | Lycaon pictus |
| Weight | 25-45 kg | 65 kg | 30 kg |
| Size | 90-130 cm long | 95-165 cm long | 75-110 cm long |
| Activity | Nocturnal, solitary scavenger | Nocturnal, clan hunter | Diurnal, pack hunter |
| Lifespan | 10-12 yrs (wild) | 10-12 yrs (wild) | 10-12 yrs (wild) |
| Diet | Carnivore | Carnivore | Carnivore |
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern | Endangered |
Compare the Striped Hyena with Africa's other carnivores on their own species pages:
For such a striped hyena, the savanna holds many dangers. It is important to distinguish between predators of adults and the greater threats facing young animals.
Spotted hyenas and lions may dominate or kill striped hyenas where they overlap.
Cubs are vulnerable to larger predators and eagles.
Vulnerable does not mean the species has no conservation challenges. It means the species is not currently assessed in a higher IUCN threat category at the global level.
The striped hyena is listed as Near Threatened — it is rarer and less studied than the spotted hyena, and faces habitat loss and persecution across parts of its range.
It scavenges bones and scraps even lions cannot use.
A true specialist of dry, rocky, arid country.
One of Africa's most secretive, nocturnal carnivores.
Thinly scattered — every sighting is a special one.
A striped hyena sighting is a badge of honour for any guide. Patient night work in the dry north sometimes rewards the persistent — a shaggy shape, a rolling gait, and a species most visitors never see.
A closer look at the Striped Hyena in its natural East African habitat — its striking appearance, habitat and behaviour are best appreciated up close.
No — the Striped Hyena is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, though local populations can still face habitat pressure.
Primarily a scavenger, the striped hyena eats carrion and bones, supplemented by small prey, insects and fruit.
Across arid bush & rocky country in Northern & Eastern Africa, including parts of Tanzania.
Yes — in suitable habitat such as Northern Tanzania's dry bush, although sightings vary by species and season.
Approximately 90-130 cm long in body length and 25-45 kg in weight.
It is a patient, slow-moving scavenger that walks long distances, relying on stealth and endurance rather than speed.
Activity patterns vary by species — some are active by day, others almost entirely at night.
Hyaena hyaena — a member of the Hyaenidae family.
Key threats include habitat loss and persecution across parts of its range, alongside natural predation.
Lives alone or in small family groups.
