Q.1
Q.1 Which animals are the closest relatives of spotted hyenas?
Cats (Felidae family)
Dogs (Canidae family)
Mongooses (Herpestidae family)
Q.2
Q.2 Where do spotted hyena cubs spend most of their time?
In the open savannah. They hide in long grass when they spot a danger.
In dens that allow access only to small cubs. There they are safe when their mother is absent.
On hills. From there they have a good viewpoint to spot dangers from far ahead.
Q.3
Q.3 Do spotted hyenas mainly feed on carrion?
Yes, like brown and striped hyenas, they are primarily scavengers.
No, they do not feed on carrion because their digestive and immune systems are not adapted to the consumption of carrion.
No, they mainly feed on prey that they hunt themselves.
Q.4
Q.4 Which vocalisations do spotted hyenas emit most frequently?
The 'whoop' and 'giggle', to advertise themselves or recruit clan members, and to signal submission, stress and frustration, respectively.
The 'meow' and 'purr', like cats to get attention from other hyenas and to soothe themselves when distressed.
The 'growl' and 'bark', like dogs to threaten other hyenas, and to warn or signal their excitement, respectively.
Q.5
Q.5 Is it possible to distinguish female from male spotted hyenas?
No, there are no females and males because spotted hyenas are hermaphrodites.
Yes, but only when closely looking at the tip of their external sexual organs because females and males have a similar general appearance.
Yes, very easily because females are twice as large as males.
Q.6
Q.6 How is the society of spotted hyenas organised?
Females live in groups whereas males are solitary and only join the females during the mating season, like in coatis.
They live in female-dominated groups and all group members can reproduce.
They live in groups led by an alpha-pair, which is the only one that reproduces, like in wolves.
Q.7
Q.7 How many cubs per litter does a spotted hyena mother give birth to?
1 -2 (exceptionally 3), like in humans.
3 - 7, like in meerkats.
15 - 32, like in the tailless tenrec.
Q.8
Q.8 Why are spotted hyena cubs born with their eyes open and teeth fully erupted?
To be able to fight with their sibling and establish a dominance hierarchy from early on.
That is coincidental and plays no special role.
To quickly become independent and hunt on their own.
Q.9
Q.9 For how long do female hyenas nurse their young?
For 6 - 7 weeks, like female dogs.
For 7 - 18 months, depending on the mother’s social rank.
For 5 - 7 years, like female orangutans.
Q.10
Q.10 How much meat can a spotted hyena eat in a single meal?
3 kg (6 lbs) - about 5% of their body weight.
6 kg (13 lbs) - about 10% of their body weight.
15 kg (33 lbs) - about 25 % of their body weight.
Q.11
Q.11 Test your observation skills and identify this male hyena based on the ID-pictures below. Is it Uparo, Ugali or Lemburis?
L-316 Uparo
L-278 Ugali
L-308 Lemburis