Context
Recently, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan urged the inclusion of the Striped Hyena in Appendix I and II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) at the upcoming CMS COP15 meeting. The proposal aims to strengthen international protection for this species due to concerns about habitat loss and declining populations.
About Striped Hyena
- The striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is a carnivorous mammal of the Hyaenidae family, which includes four species: striped hyena, spotted hyena, brown hyena, and aardwolf.
- Among them, the striped hyena is smaller than the spotted hyena and is easily identified by the distinct dark stripes covering its body.
- Habitat: Diverse ecosystems like savannas, grasslands, semi-deserts, open woodlands, & mountainous regions, which enables it to thrive in both dry & semi-arid environments.
- Geographical Distribution: Across Africa and Asia, being found in South Asia (India, Nepal, Afghanistan), North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, West Asia (Middle East), and Central Asia.
- Key Characteristics:
- Territorial Behaviour: They mark their territories using scent markings to warn rivals and establish boundaries.
- Diet: They are primarily scavengers, feeding mainly on carrion and human refuse.
- Social Structure: The species is generally solitary, though it shows some level of social organisation. Females are dominant over males, and they may behave aggressively toward other females.
- Movement Patterns:
- Striped hyenas exhibit varied movement patterns, including long-distance dispersal and seasonal or nomadic movements driven by food availability.
- In arid and semi-arid regions, where prey and water are unevenly distributed, they may travel great distances in search of resources and even cross international borders
- Conservation Status: Near Threatened (IUCN Red List) & Schedule I (Wildlife Protection Act, 1972).
FAQs
Q1. What is the Striped Hyena?
The Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is a carnivorous mammal belonging to the Hyaenidae family. It is smaller than the spotted hyena and easily recognized by the distinct dark stripes on its body.
Q2. Where is the Striped Hyena found?
It has a wide distribution across Africa and Asia, including South Asia (India, Nepal, Afghanistan), North Africa, Sub‑Saharan Africa, West Asia (Middle East), and Central Asia.
Q3. What habitats does the Striped Hyena prefer?
The species thrives in diverse ecosystems such as savannas, grasslands, semi‑deserts, open woodlands, and mountainous regions, adapting well to dry and semi‑arid environments.
Q4. What is the conservation status of the Striped Hyena?
It is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List and protected under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, highlighting the need for stronger international protection.
