EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

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Spotted Hyena: Extreme Scavenger

Credit & Copyright: Dr. Bruce G. Marcot

Explanation:  In this corner ... weighing in at 60-80 kg (132-176 lb) ... is a Spotted Hyena.  Not just master scavengers of carrion (dead animals), Spotted Hyenas also actively hunt for live food, which here in South Africa includes everything from insects to zebras, wildebeest, and even giraffe.  It is likely, though, that this tough male found this giraffe already dead and chased away other scavengers such as White-backed Vultures that still hung close behind, waiting to pounce as soon as he left.   Think hyenas are odd looking, with their front legs longer than their hind legs?  Spotted Hyenas are especially peculiar beasts, having hermaphroditic sex organs ... the function of which may not be fully understood.  It may be related to females sometimes having high testosterone levels, perhaps needed to aggressively prevent males from attacking her cubs.   The hyena's massive jaw muscles and teeth can slice through bone and skin of all animals include elephants and rhinos.  Its ancient cousins of the Pleistocene were even larger.  It is the hyena's eerie laughing call that has made it the subject of myths and legends. White-backed Vultures rushing in to take over the carcass after the hyena left.