The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) is known as the laughing hyena. You may ask why, and the answer is simple: If you are on your hunting safari and hear manic laughter (like that of an escaped mental patient!), you know that a laughing hyena is close. Will you recognise it? Most definitely! Apart from Africa’s infamous Hadeda calls that are quite spectacular and difficult to forget, the sound of this laughing call is one of the most recognisable you will hear while hyena hunting in Africa.

The spotted hyena is the most common and largest of the four hyena species and is native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is listed as being of “least concern” by the ICUN. Spotted hyenas live in many habitats, including savannahs, woodlands, grasslands, sub-deserts, grasslands and even low-level mountains.

Spotted hyenas live in groups called clans. These clans can reach up to 80 individuals of both sexes, with the clan females being dominant. Even with many females in the clan, the lowest-ranked female is still superior to any clan male. Dominance is passed down on the female’s side, from mother to daughter.

They are carnivores, and scavenge and feast on leftovers from other predators’ kills, but spotted hyenas are accomplished hunters. They hunt and eat birds, snakes and insects and can even kill a wildebeest or antelope.

The spotted hyena is a non-seasonal breeder, although there is a birth peak during the wet season. The gestation period for spotted hyenas is approximately 110 days, with an average of two cubs per litter. The survival rate for cubs is not very high, with less than 50% reaching maturity. The cubs stay with the female and nurse until about 12-24 months. Females will stay with the clan, while males leave at around three years of age.