Mammal

Brown Hyena Sightings

Parahyaena brunnea

Near ThreatenedPredatorFound in 4 parks

Want to know where and when to find Brown Hyena? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.

Where to see Brown Hyena in South Africa

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Recent Brown Hyena sightings

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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.

Did you know?

Brown hyenas can travel many kilometres during a night’s search for food and may cache excess food for later consumption.

Also known as: Strandwolf, Strandwolf, Bruinhiëna, Hyena

Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for Brown Hyena, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.