About the Striped Hyena
The striped hyena is India's only hyena species — a solitary, nocturnal scavenger that inhabits dry forests, scrubland, and semi-arid zones across north and central India. Often spotted in the headlights of safari vehicles at night in Ranthambore and Gir, the striped hyena is unmistakeable with its grey-brown striped coat, distinctive mane of long hair along its spine, and sloping hindquarters.
Striped hyenas are primarily scavengers, feeding on carrion, bones, and the leftovers of tiger and leopard kills. Unlike the spotted hyena of Africa (which is a skilled hunter), the Indian striped hyena rarely kills prey larger than small animals. Their powerful jaws can crush bone that other predators cannot process, allowing them to extract nutrition from carcasses no other scavenger can access. They are considered bad omens in some Indian cultural traditions, which has contributed to persecution and human-caused mortality.