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Brown Hyenas
Brown hyenas are intriguing and enigmatic creatures, known for their unique appearance and scavenging habits. With long shaggy fur and striking dark brown coloration, they stand out in their arid and semi-desert habitats of southern Africa. These solitary foragers have a reputation for feeding on carrion, but they are also skilled hunters, preying on small mammals and birds. Their strong jaws and teeth allow them to crush bones and consume almost all parts of a carcass. Their highly developed sense of smell aids them in locating food over vast distances. Despite facing threats from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict, brown hyenas play a crucial role in their ecosystems by keeping them clean of carcasses, making their conservation essential.
Scientific Name: Parahyaena brunnea
- Habitat: Brown hyenas are primarily found in the arid regions of southern Africa, including deserts, semi-deserts, and savannas. Their range covers Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa, often near the coast where food sources are more abundant.
- Diet: They are predominantly scavengers, feeding on carcasses left by other predators. They also consume small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, and human refuse when available.
- Physical Characteristics: Brown hyenas have long, shaggy fur that ranges from dark brown to black, with lighter, sometimes striped legs. They have a distinctive mane of longer hair along their back and a shorter tail. Adults weigh between 34 to 72 kg (75 to 159 lbs) and stand about 70 to 80 cm (27 to 31 inches) at the shoulder.
- Lifespan: In the wild, brown hyenas typically live around 12-15 years. In captivity, they can live up to 20 years.
- Reproduction: Brown hyenas reach sexual maturity at around 2-3 years of age. After a gestation period of about 97 days, females give birth to litters of 1 to 5 cubs, which are born in communal dens. Cubs are weaned at about 12 months and stay with their natal clan until they are around 2 years old.
- Conservation Status: The brown hyena is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List. Their populations are declining due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and accidental poisoning intended for other predators.
Brown Hyenas at Chipangali
Udubo
Species: Brown Hyena
Age on Arrival: Unknown (Full Grown)
Arrival Date: 21st December 2025
Sex: Male
Udubo’s Story: He was found as a cub in the Matetsi area. Then taken to Wildhub and hand raised, Upon closure of Wildhub he was brought to Chipangali.
Brown Hyena
Species: Brown Hyena
Age on Arrival: Various
Arrival Date: Various
Sex: Both
The Story of the Brown Hyenas: Brown hyenas are enigmatic creatures that occasionally arrive at Chipangali after being found alone or in conflict situations, often due to their scavenging habits bringing them close to human settlements. At the sanctuary, they are safely housed and become educational ambassadors, teaching visitors about their role in cleaning the ecosystem, their unusual social structure, and the importance of coexistence between humans and wildlife. Through these residents, Chipangali demonstrates that even shy and secretive species are essential to healthy ecosystems.
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