The Brown Hyena (Hyaena brunnea, formerly Parahyaena brunnea) lives mainly in the Kalahari and Namib deserts of southern Africa. The intermediate-sized extant hyena, this species is 110–136 cm (43–53 in) in body length, 64–88 cm (25–35 in) tall at the shoulder and weighs 37–55 kg (82–121 lb), though exceptional larger individuals are known. It is smaller than the Spotted Hyena, and unlike its spotted cousin, is largely a scavenger. It is the largest land animal to derive most of its diet from scavenging, although it will also hunt small mammals. Because of the scarcity of food in the desert, the Brown Hyena supplements its diet with fruit and vegetables, and along the Namib coastline it is known to snatch seal pups.
Social behavior
Like the Spotted Hyena, the Brown Hyena lives in clans. However, Brown Hyena clans are much smaller (ranging between 4 and 15 members) and less organized, and do not hunt cooperatively. A particularly large food source may draw several of the clan to it, and they will work together to defend their find. They will also defend their territories as a group. The Brown Hyena can generally chase off Leopards, Caracals or Cheetahs, but the Spotted Hyena will drive the Brown Hyena from kills, as can groups of African Wild Dogs. The Brown Hyena often feeds from Lion kills, but Lions dominate and occasionally kill Brown Hyena.
Unlike the Spotted Hyena, the females do not have an enlarged clitoris, and males are slightly larger than females.
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