Spotted hyenas are often characterised as 'mangy rotten scavengers', pestering those 'noble' lions. However, more than any animal on the African plains, hyenas are misunderstood, and if you can get past your prejudices and their unusual looks, they are probably the most interesting of Africa's predators.

While it is true that hyenas scavenge, they are also very effective hunters. With their powerful jaws and remarkable digestive systems, they can pull down and process every part of their prey except the hooves, hair and horns. In addition, they clean up the mess  left by other less efficient carnivores such as lions. Hyenas are the ultimate green  animals, efficient consumers and recyclers, offering the essential service of clearing the savannah of the sick, old and rotten!

While not the most photogenic animals, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and what hyenas lack in looks they more than make up for in weirdness. Most notable, but just the tip of the iceberg, are their apparently hermaphroditic genitalia...

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