Hyenas are carnivorous mammals that belong to the family Hyaenidae. They have several distinguishing characteristics, including:

  1. Appearance: Hyenas have a distinctive body shape with a sloping back and powerful forequarters. They have a large head with strong jaws, pointed ears, and sharp teeth.

  2. Size: Depending on the species, hyenas can range in size from 90 to 190 cm (35 to 75 inches) in length and 25 to 85 kg (55 to 187 lbs) in weight.

  3. Behavior: Hyenas are social animals and live in groups called clans, which can consist of up to 80 individuals. They are primarily nocturnal and have excellent hearing and sense of smell.

  4. Diet: Hyenas are opportunistic hunters and scavengers, and their diet includes a wide variety of prey such as antelopes, zebras, and wildebeests. They are also known to eat carrion and will even hunt other predators.

  5. Communication: Hyenas communicate through a variety of vocalizations, including whoops, grunts, and laughs. They also use body language such as posturing and grooming to convey social status and intentions.

  6. Adaptability: Hyenas are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, including savannas, grasslands, and even urban areas.

  7. Reproduction: Hyenas have a unique reproductive system where the female has a pseudo-penis, which is used for mating and giving birth. The dominant female in a clan will give birth to the majority of the cubs, which are raised communally by the group.