​striped hyena | Hyaena hyaena

Striped hyena is the only hyena species found in India. It is closely related to two other species of hyenas and the aardwolf. Hyenas in India inhabit a diversity of habitats, from dry open scrub to deciduous forests and agriculture fields. Although they can hunt down prey, hyenas are generally scavengers, feeding on domestic and wild carrion.
Population Trend: decreasing
IUCN • near threatened
CITES • appendix III
WLPA • schedule III

• ID Features ​• 

• Habitats ​• 

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DRY GRASSLANDS
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TROPICAL DRY FORESTS
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ROCKY OUTCROPS
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OPEN DRY HABITATS
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RAVINES/ MOUNDS
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RURAL SETTLEMENTS
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WET GRASSLANDS
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PRODUCTION AGROFORESTS
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SCRUB HABITATS
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AGRICULTURE FIELDS

• Distribution • 

Estimated occupancy of striped hyenas across taluks/tehsils in India

• Score card •

Conservation score: 49 | Grade: D

Striped hyenas occupy ~40% of their potential habitats in India. Their populations may be declining. They are threatened by habitat loss, deliberate persecution by humans and road-related mortality. 
IMAGE CREDITS | COVER IMAGE: KALYAN VARMA | PROFILE: ANKUR SHAH