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International Journal of Zoology and Applied Biosciences Research Article
Stripes in the shadows: A comprehensive review of the status, distribution, and feeding ecology of the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in India
Dhiraj R Parmar, Suresh K Chovatiya and Nikunj B Gajera
Year : 2026 | Volume: 11 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 110-116
Received on: 05/11/2025
Revised on: 27/11/2025
Accepted on: 22/12/2025
Published on: 01/01/2026
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Dhiraj R Parmar, Suresh K Chovatiya and Nikunj B Gajera( 2026).
Stripes in the shadows: A comprehensive review of the status, distribution, and feeding ecology of the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in India
. International Journal of Zoology and Applied Biosciences, 11( 1), 110-116.
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Abstract
The striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), a solitary and nocturnal scavenger, is the only extant hyena species found in India. Despite its broad geographic range across arid, semi-arid, and human-dominated landscapes, the species remains ecologically understudied, with minimal conservation efforts. This review synthesizes available knowledge on the population status, distribution patterns, and feeding ecology of the striped hyena in India, based on literature published from 2000 to 2024. National estimates suggest a population of 1,000–3,000 individuals, with variable densities reported across protected and non-protected regions. The species exhibits a highly adaptable diet that includes wild prey, domestic livestock, and anthropogenic waste, reflecting its scavenging behavior and resilience in disturbed habitats. However, the striped hyena faces persistent threats from habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, and retaliatory killings. Our analysis reveals significant research gaps in long-term population monitoring, dietary shifts, and ecosystem service quantification, particularly in Eastern and Northeastern India. The review underscores the need for species-specific conservation strategies, improved ecological monitoring, and public engagement to ensure the long-term survival of this ecologically valuable yet overlooked carnivore.
Keywords
Striped Hyena, Hyaena hyaena, Distribution Patterns, Feeding Ecology, Population Density.
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© The Author(s) 2025. This article is published by International Journal of Zoology and Applied Biosciences under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (creativecommons.org), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
