The secret life of a striped hyena

On the northwestern edge of Laikipia lies Mugie Conservancy, a private reserve of almost 50,000 acres offering an intimate and exclusive safari experience.

Enjoy a wilderness all to yourself – photo credit Felix Rome

Among the many intriguing wildlife species on Mugie is the elusive striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena); often overshadowed by its more boisterous spotted cousin, the striped hyena is a silent enigma, a ghost of the savannah, and a true survivor of the wild. 

Spotted hyenas are listed as being of least concern by the IUCN – photo credit Felix Rome

A lonesome wanderer

Unlike the highly social spotted hyena, the striped hyena is a solitary animal, preferring to roam alone at night, which makes it one of the hardest carnivores to spot in the wild. Within the protected landscapes of Mugie Conservancy, camera traps, dedicated conservationists, and guests on safari have captured rare glimpses of these understudied wanderers as they emerge after sundown, their eerie stripes blending perfectly into the moonlit bush. 

Striking stripes and unique adaptations

The striped hyena is unmistakable with its long, shaggy fur and striking black stripes running down its legs and body. When threatened, it can erect its mane, making itself appear nearly twice its size—an impressive defence mechanism against predators or rivals. This remarkable ability, coupled with its strong jaws and keen sense of smell, makes the striped hyena a formidable scavenger and occasional hunter. 

The striped hyena can erect its mane – photo credit Felix Rome.

One of the striped hyena’s most unusual features is its ability to play dead when threatened. If cornered and unable to escape, it may collapse and remain motionless, tricking potential attackers into losing interest—an instinct that has helped it survive in the wild for thousands of years. 

A varied and opportunistic diet

Striped hyenas are primarily scavengers, feeding on carrion left behind by larger predators such as lions and leopards. However, they are also opportunistic hunters, preying on small to medium-sized animals such as rodents, birds, reptiles, and even young ungulates. Their powerful digestive system allows them to consume nearly every part of an animal, including bones, hooves, and skin, which helps keep their habitat clean and free of decaying carcasses. 

The striped hyena camouflages well in arid areas – photo credit Felix Rome.

In addition to meat, striped hyenas consume fruits, insects, and vegetation, making them one of the most adaptable carnivores in the wild. Their flexible diet enables them to survive in a variety of habitats, from arid deserts to dense woodlands. Interestingly, they have been known to crush and eat tortoises, a feat that few other predators can accomplish due to the toughness of the shell. 

Hunting and foraging behaviour

While not as aggressive as their spotted relatives, striped hyenas have been known to hunt when the opportunity arises. They use a combination of stealth and patience, stalking their prey carefully before launching a quick attack. Unlike pack-hunting predators, they rely on ambush techniques, using their excellent sense of smell and night vision to locate food. 

This species is one of Africa’s most fascinating predators – photo credit Felix Rome.

Striped hyenas also exhibit kleptoparasitism, a feeding strategy in which they steal food from other predators when the chance presents itself. They have been observed waiting patiently for a predator to abandon its kill before moving in to claim the leftovers, demonstrating their resourcefulness in the wild. 

Breeding and family life

Striped hyenas have a fascinating reproductive cycle. Unlike spotted hyenas, which have a strict dominance hierarchy, striped hyenas typically form monogamous pairs. The female gives birth in a secluded den, usually hidden within rocky outcrops or dense vegetation. She raises her cubs with the male’s help, a relatively rare behaviour among hyena species. 

A heavily pregnant female on Mugie Conservancy – photo credit Felix Rome

A litter typically consists of two to four cubs, which are born with their eyes closed and are entirely dependent on their mother for the first few weeks. They begin eating solid food at around a month old and are fully weaned by six months. Cubs stay with their parents for up to a year before venturing out on their own. Unlike spotted hyena cubs, which are often aggressive toward their siblings, striped hyena cubs are more tolerant of one another, making for a less competitive upbringing. 

A vital role in the ecosystem

While often misunderstood as mere scavengers, striped hyenas play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Their powerful digestive system allows them to consume bones, ligaments, and even hooves—effectively cleaning up the landscape and preventing the spread of disease. Across Mugie Conservancy, their presence is a testament to the health of the ecosystem, as they ensure that nothing in the wild goes to waste. They also help control populations of smaller animals, contributing to a balanced ecosystem. 

Additionally, striped hyenas are known to store food in hidden caches, allowing them to return and eat later when food is scarce. This caching behaviour is another example of their adaptability in harsh environments. 

Shy but vocal

Though they are not as raucous as the spotted hyena, striped hyenas are vocal—communicating through a range of sounds, including soft whoops, growls, and even eerie giggles. They also rely heavily on scent-marking, using special glands to mark their territory—a silent but effective way to keep intruders at bay. Interestingly, their sense of smell is so refined that they can detect carcasses from miles away, making them one of nature’s most efficient cleanup crews. 

Photo credit Felix Rome

They also use body language as a form of communication. When threatened, they raise the hairs along their back to appear larger, while submissive individuals lower their heads and tuck their tails between their legs when encountering a dominant individual. 

Conservation challenges and hope

Despite their adaptability, striped hyenas face threats like habitat loss, poisoning, and Human-Wildlife Conflict. In some areas, they are mistakenly believed to be livestock killers and are targeted by farmers, even though they rarely attack domestic animals. Additionally, they are sometimes hunted for traditional medicine and cultural beliefs in various regions. 

Spotting the unseen

For most visitors, catching sight of a striped hyena is a rare privilege, but the thrill of knowing they are out there—prowling through the night—adds magic to any safari experience. Whether seen through the lens of a camera trap or the fleeting glow of a spotlight, the striped hyena is a reminder of nature’s hidden wonders. 

Next time you visit Governors’ Mugie, keep your eyes open and your curiosity alive—you never know when the ghost of the savannah might cross your path! 

By Ryan Smart, Activities Manager for Governors’ Mugie, Laikipia.