Hyena Sahara Desert Animals PicturesHyenas usually bear litters of two to four cubs, which, unlike the other two species, are born Hyenas are social animals that communicate with one another through specific calls, postures and signals. "Latrines," places where members of a clan deposit their droppings, also mark territories. Hyenas mark and patrol their territories by depositing a strong-smelling substance produced by the anal glands on stalks of grass along the boundaries.
Hyena Sahara Desert Animals PhotosThe center of clan activity is the den, where the cubs are raised and individuals meet. Spotted hyenas are organized into territorial clans of related individuals. Spotted hyenas are found in grasslands, woodlands, savannas, subdeserts, forest edges and mountains.
Hyena Sahara Desert Animals WallpapersWhy the female hyena developed in this manner is unknown, but it may have been necessary for them to appear large and strong to protect their young from males, as hyenas have cannibalistic tendencies. It is difficult to distinguish between the sexes in the field because external female genitalia have a superficial similarity to those of the male.
Hyena Sahara Desert Animals ImagesFemale spotted hyenas are dominant over the males and outweigh them by about 3 pounds. Reputed to be cowardly and timid, the hyena can be bold and dangerous, attacking animals and humans. In ancient Egypt, hyenas were domesticated, fattened and eaten, and in turn, humans have on occasion become food for hyenas.
Hyena Sahara Desert Animals SpeciesOver the years, hyenas and humans have come into close contact in Africa and in earlier times, in Asia and in Europe, often led to mutual predation. The hyena (spelled "hyeana" in some parts of the world) is Africa's most common large carnivore.
