By: Hockey Player
![]() | RESEARCH QUESTION Why are hyenas such good scavengers? |
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SCIENTIFIC NAME: | TYPE | DIET | GROUP | LIFESPAN | SIZE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
hyaenidae | mammal | packs chase down gazelles, impalas, warthogs, and waterbucks and smaller animals when hunting alone any leftovers by other animals | Hyenas live in clans of up to 100 members | Up to 12 years | Weight-44-64 kg Height-70-92 cm |
WHY ARE HYENAS SUCH GOOD SCAVENGERS?
INTRO
When I formed my question about hyenas being such good scavengers I did realize they were also good hunters. Hyenas get 75% of their food from their own kills but are still great scavengers.
JAWS
The hyena has the strongest bite of any mammal and will eat every part of their kill including skin, bones, hooves and teeth.
SENSE OF SMELL
The smell is what makes the hyena such good scavengers. They can smell a dead animal from 4 km away!
GROUPS
Hyenas live in clans of up to 100 members. Females are higher in the rank then males. the cubs always are higher in the clan then the highest ranking male.
DIETS
Hyenas feast on gazeellas, impals, waterhogs and waterbucks. they hunt smaller animals when hunting alone. They also eat leftovers from other animals.
SOURCES:
Hyenas by SanDiego Zoo
https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/spotted-hyena
Copyright free image of hyena. Vaughan Leiberum
<https://www.flickr.com/photos/laertes_za/5341946475>