Hyaenas | Hyaenidae

Hyena's | Hienas

A sloping back — the forelegs are longer than the hind — and a stiff mane along the spine, raised in threat and making the animal look far larger. The head is heavy, with a short broad muzzle and extraordinarily strong chewing muscles. Behind the still-shearing carnassials the front cheekteeth stand as thick conical crushers with which limb bones are cracked; that lets a hyaena use a carcass other predators have left, and the bone meal turns the droppings chalk white as they dry. The forefeet are larger than the hind and carry blunt claws. They are nocturnal and cover great distances at a tireless, angular trot. At the anus lies a large gland pouch, everted to paste a scent onto grass stems and twigs. The species of this area lives alone or in pairs, along the southern and eastern fringe.