Planning a trip to Rietvlei Nature Reserve? Download opspoor to see recent sightings in the park and log your own.
When to see Brown Hyena in Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Brown Hyena are most active at night (19:00 to 05:00). Much of their activity falls outside gate hours, so the first drive after the gates open and the last hour before they close give you the best chance.
This is Brown Hyena's general behavior. Once enough sightings are logged in Rietvlei Nature Reserve, this page also shows when they're actually seen here.
About the Brown Hyena
The brown hyena is a predominantly nocturnal hyena of southern Africa, especially arid and semi-arid regions. It has long, shaggy brown fur, a dark throat and a prominent mane along the back. Unlike the spotted hyena, it relies heavily on scavenging but also eats small mammals, birds, insects, eggs and fruit. Brown hyenas generally forage alone but live within small social clans and maintain large territories.
How to identify the Brown Hyena
Shaggy, dark brown coat with irregular darker markings, long hair around the neck and shoulders, relatively short hindquarters and a bushy tail. Unlike the spotted hyena, it lacks obvious round spots and has a much shaggier appearance.
Other species to look for in Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Other parks where you can see Brown Hyena
Easiest first.
Heading to Rietvlei Nature Reserve? opspoor shows where Brown Hyena have been logged recently and lets you log your own, even with no signal.