In relation to its body size, the spotted hyena has the most powerful jaws of all mammals. It is unjustly dubbed a lazy scavenger. In reality, it is their strong jaws and powerful legs that allow them to tear prey independently. Their large heart supplies the body with sufficient oxygen for a long time during the hunt, which makes the hyena a persistent hunter.
Spotted hyenas travel in family groups, which are usually led by a female. The newborns are already born with sight and teeth. From their first foray together, the cubs eat meat, although they are not weaned from their mother's milk until months later.
| Related to |
Carnivores, "cat-like" carnivorans, hyenas (4 species) |
| Habitat |
Open savannah, grasslands and dry steppes and plains with large ungulate populations. Up to 4'100 m.a.s.l. |
| Mode of life |
Diurnal, use burrows (partly self-dug) |
| Social structure |
In groups (clans) with up to 100 animals, hierarchy consisting of females related to each other; males migrate and tend to live on the fringes of the clans |
| Diet |
Insects to large mammals, carrion or animals killed by themselves, waste. Up to 18 kg per meal |
| Weight |
F: 55 to 85 kg, M: 40 to 55 kg, newborn: 900 to 1,200 g |
| Shoulder height |
70 - 90 cm |
| Mating season |
All year round |
| Gestation time |
110 days |
| Litter size |
Up to 4 young |
| Age of sexual maturity |
At the age of 2 to 3 years |
| Life expectancy |
Up to 40 years |
| At Zoo Zurich since |
2020 |
Sponsors
|
P. Gander, Aesch ZH |
|
R. Gantenbein, Zürich |
|
E. Wögerer, Gamprin |
|
A. Bühler, Freienbach |
|
E. + W. Haas, Küsnacht |
|
F. Ebert, Zürich |
|
M. + Ch. Steffen, Stäfa |
|
J. Rehmann, Nänikon |
|
U. Staubli-Singer, Bülach |
|
Zaunteam Zürich Oberland GmbH, Gutenswil |
