Spotted Hyena

 

Linnaean Classification: Eukarya, Animalia, Chordata, Mammalia, Carnivora, Hyaenidae, Crocuta crocuta

 

Regulator because spotted hyenas are able to maintain their internal body conditions as mammals.

 

Neither because spotted hyenas stay in one general place for food and water and essential needs.

 

Generalist because spotted hyenas are very adaptable and live in grasslands, woodlands, forests, and mountains, and is as scavenger that picks up leftovers at the kills of other carnivores and a predator that hunts mammalian herbivores as well.

 

Consumer because spotted hyenas must rely upon consuming other organisms to obtain energy.

 

Carnivore because the spotted hyena is a scavenger that picks up leftovers at the kills of other carnivores (cheetah, leopard, lion), or feeds on carrion. Spotted hyenas also kill and hunt mammalian herbivores which include small, medium, and large-sized antelope, Cape buffalo, and other herbivores such as zebra, warthog, and the young of giraffe, hippopotamus, and rhinoceros. It can be very opportunistic and has been recorded eating almost any mammal, bird, fish or reptile, irrespective of size or species.

 

Niche: Spotted hyenas are found in all types of habitats, including savannas, woodlands, grasslands, forest edges, subdeserts, and even mountains up to 13,000 feet. Spotted hyenas are expert hunters and catch up to 95% of their prey. Spotted hyenas are both the most abundant and the most successful large predator in Africa. Built for endurance, spotted hyenas often hunt in packs, chasing prey to the point of exhaustion. Then the hyenas move in and use their powerful jaws and strong teeth to bring the hunted animal down. Packs of spotted hyenas can bring down an animal as large as a giraffe, a zebra, or even an African Cape buffalo.