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Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta)


Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta)
Photo Information
Copyright: Dan Bachmann (danbachmann) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 75 W: 19 N: 143] (463)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-03-11
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Pentax *ist D, Pentax F 100-300
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/180 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2006-03-29 3:45
Viewed: 1997
Points: 4
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Spotted hyenas are the largest member of the family Hyaenidae. Many researchers consider hyenas the evolutionary 'link' between dogs and cats but more closely related to cats.

See Philip Raggett's (twosixbw) comments below for more information on spotting hyenas.

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ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To janhendrik: Spotted Hyenadanbachmann 1 03-29 17:20
To twosixbw: Spotted Hyenadanbachmann 1 03-29 17:19
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Critiques [Translate]

A spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) without any shadow of a doubt.

Hi,
Nice photo...I like the side lighting on him...whereabouts was this taken?

You are correct this is a Spotted Hyena - both species (Spotted & Brown) are found in south africa though the Spotted Hyena is more commonly seen in game reserves. Spotted Hyenas live in clans and are quite vocal - this has been to their detriment outside protected areas as they have been shot out of unprotected areas. Spotted Hyenas are spotted! with a light brown coat whereas brown hyenas have a shaggy dark brown coat with a golden mane and stripes on their legs.

The Brown Hyena is a more secretive animal and is solitary when hunting. Due to their secretive nature they are rarely seen (I have seen them twice in over 10yrs living in Botswana) though this enables them to survive in proximity to humans though they are a threatened species.

I have a photo of a Brown Hyena here on my website, sorry for the quality but its the only shot I've got and was taken at a slow shutter speed without a flash!!

For more information: http://www.strandwolf.org.za/hyena.htm

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