The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), also known as the laughing hyena, [3] is a hyena species, currently classed as the sole extant member of the genus Crocuta, native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is listed as being of least concern by the IUCN due to its widespread range and large numbers estimated between 27,000 and 47,000 individuals. [ 1 ]

Crocuta crocuta uses its keen senses of sight, hearing and smell to hunt live prey and to detect carrion from afar. It often chases its prey long distances at speeds up to 60 km/hr.

Crocuta is a genus of hyena containing the largest extant member of the family, the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta). Several fossil species are also known, with the Pleistocene Eurasian cave hyenas either being regarded as distinct species or subspecies of the spotted hyena.

A highly misunderstood animal, the Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) has the reputation of being cowardly and sly, but it is actually a fascinating and intelligent creature with a very interesting social system. It looks like a dog but is closer related to cats, civets, and genets.

The Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta), often misunderstood and misrepresented, is one of the most fascinating animals in the African savannah. Commonly perceived as mere scavengers, these formidable creatures are, in fact, skilled hunters and play a vital role in their ecosystems.

Nov 4, 2008 · Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta) Type: Mammal; Family: Hyaenidae; Habitat: Savanna, semi-desert, and other dry, open areas; Location: Sub-Saharan Africa, except for tropical rainforests

It has a large head with a long, thick, muscular neck and powerful jaws that give the hyena the strongest bite of any mammal. Its front legs are longer than its back legs, giving the hyena a profile somewhat like that of a wildebeest or bison. The spotted hyena's paws have four toes with non-retractable claws.

Spotted hyenas are the largest of three hyena species. Brown and striped hyenas are the other two. Although hyenas appear similar to dogs, they are actually more closely related to cats. They...

Crocuta crocuta (from crocus, the color of saffron, and utus which means provided with)

Found throughout Africa, south of the Sahara Desert and eastwards through Arabia to India. Spotted hyenas prefer open country, even semi-desert, but they are rarely found in forested areas. They range from sea level up to 13,200 feet.