African wild dogs and hyenas both roam the African savanna, but they are very different creatures. One is a canine, and the other is part of the Hyaenidae family.
Both species are iconic African predators, but they have very different physical characteristics, distributions, behaviors, and conservation statuses.
While they often share the same habitats and ecological roles, African wild dogs and hyenas are actually quite different. This article will highlight those differences.
Species Overview
Let’s take a closer look at these fascinating animals:
African Wild Dogs
African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) are also known as Cape hunting dogs or African painted dogs. They’re the only species in the Lycaon genus.
Sadly, African wild dogs are listed as an endangered species. Their numbers are shrinking, and they’ve almost disappeared from Northern and West Africa.
Hyenas
Hyenas aren’t a single species, but a family (Hyaenidae) with four different species:
- Aardwolf
- Spotted hyena
- Brown hyena
- Striped hyena
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists spotted hyenas and aardwolves as species of “least concern.” Brown and striped hyenas are listed as “near threatened.”
Physical Appearance
African wild dogs and spotted hyenas are different sizes and shapes, and they have different colors and markings.
Size and Build
African wild dogs stand 60 to 75 cm tall at the shoulders and weigh 18 to 36 kg.
Spotted hyenas can stand up to 92 cm tall and weigh up to 86 kg.
Hyenas have a distinctive build, with short hind legs and longer front legs.
Coat and Markings
African wild dogs are famous for their “painted” fur. The irregular patches of black, brown, white, and yellow give each dog a unique look.
Spotted hyenas have spots on their bodies, as their name suggests. Other species of hyena have stripes or solid-color coats.
Face and Ears
African wild dogs have large, round ears.
Spotted hyenas have more pointed ears.
Distribution and Habitat
Both African wild dogs and hyenas live in Africa, but their preferred habitats differ slightly.
African Wild Dog
African wild dogs prefer open savannas and semi-arid plains. They used to be widespread across the continent, but now their populations are fragmented. Ruaha National Park in Tanzania is thought to have the largest population of African wild dogs on the continent.
Hyena
Hyenas are more adaptable than African wild dogs and can live in grasslands, arid deserts, and semi-mountainous areas. Their geographic range is similar to that of wild dogs.
Behavior and Social Structure
Both African wild dogs and hyenas are social creatures, but their social structures and behaviors differ significantly.
African Wild Dog
African wild dogs are highly social animals that live in packs. These packs typically consist of 7 to 15 members, often related to each other. They’re known for their cooperative hunting strategies, which contribute to their high success rates.
Hyena
Hyena social structures are more variable, with some species being far more social than others.
- Spotted hyenas live in large clans that can include as many as 80 individuals.
- Brown hyenas are more like wolves.
- Aardwolves are monogamous.
- Striped hyenas tend to be solitary or live in pairs.
Spotted hyenas are highly skilled hunters, whereas other hyena species depend more on scavenging.
Conservation Status and Threats
African wild dogs are currently endangered. Their biggest threats are loss of habitat, conflicts with humans, and infectious diseases. Conservation efforts face several challenges, including maintaining sufficient habitat and managing disease outbreaks. Many groups are working to protect this species.
Hyena populations are generally more stable. However, some species face threats from habitat loss and persecution by humans. The level of risk varies depending on the specific hyena species and its location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wins the fight between a hyena and a wild dog?
That’s a tricky question! It really depends on the context. A single hyena would likely overpower a single African wild dog due to its size and bite force. However, African wild dogs hunt in highly coordinated packs, and a pack of them could definitely take down a lone hyena, or even a small group. Hyenas also scavenge, so they’re more likely to target a lone, injured dog than confront a healthy pack. It’s all about numbers and opportunity!
How aggressive are African wild dogs?
Individually, African wild dogs aren’t particularly aggressive towards humans, and there are very few records of them attacking people. Within their packs, however, they can display aggressive behaviors related to dominance and maintaining social order. They’re incredibly efficient hunters, but their aggression is typically directed towards their prey, not other species unless directly threatened. Their focus is on cooperative hunting and survival within their pack structure.
To Conclude
African wild dogs and hyenas are both fascinating predators, but they’re quite different. They’re in different biological families and have distinct physical characteristics. Their social structures vary, and African wild dogs face a much graver conservation status than hyenas.
Both species play important roles in the African ecosystem, and it’s essential to understand and protect them. African wild dogs, in particular, need continued conservation efforts to ensure their survival. By supporting these efforts, we can help safeguard the future of these remarkable animals and the ecosystems they inhabit.