Spotted hyenas can solve problems by opening puzzle boxes, according to a 2012 study. This is probably because the two sexes look virtually identical, and the genitalia of the female spotted hyena looks very masculine. European myths. Myth: They’re just thieves and scavengers. These pseudo-penises, or pseudophalluses, are paired with “testicles”—actually fused labia filled with fatty tissue. These pseudo-penises, or pseudophalluses, are paired with “testicles”—actually fused labia filled with fatty tissue. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Generally hunting in packs, a group of Hyenas can not only kill an animal and eat it but also can do the same within fifteen minutes and not even leave a single trace. Hyena Myths Dispelled. Hyenas can adapt to almost any habitat and are found in grasslands, woodlands, savannas, forest edges, sub-deserts and mountains as high up … Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. You Want your Safari company, Camp, Lodge, or Hotel Featured?? Mating, urination and even giving birth is through the pseudopenis (clitoris). The Hyenas clearly won in terms of social cooperation, apart from problem solving. Strangely, the bladder also empties into the same channel thus it is practically possible for the female to ‘flush’ the inserted sperms if need be. So apparently, the myth is just what it is. There are many facts about Hyenas that are still unknown to most people, so this article will focus on some of the most intriguing facts about Hyenas that may amaze you! But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The size of the frontal cortex of an animal is taken to be the standard for measuring the smartness or intelligence of an animal, and Hyenas’ could be compared to that of the primates! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. For more on why people thought that they could in the first place, skip to Hyena Sex. Myth Three - Hyenas do not “laugh” as we know it. Listen to different Hyena sounds. That’s more than we can say for our own species, which wastes nearly three trillion tons of food a year. Truth: This myth may come from the fact that spotted hyena females are generally bigger than males and have a pseudo-penis. They have their own family, Hyaenidae, comprising four species: the spotted hyena, striped hyena, brown hyena, and the aardwolf, which isn’t a wolf but looks like one. These pseudo-penises aren’t just for show: Females give birth through their “penis,” which “has to tear when the first cub passes through,” she says. The spotted Hyenas hunt and kill, and the striped Hyenas often scavenge to get their meals, but neither of them go around digging to eat the remains. They hunt in packs. Truth: Hyenas are brainy as well as brawny. It is also urged that this unique reproductive tract gives the female lots of control over the father of her offspring. In hopes of clearing up some modern misconceptions, Weird Animal Question of the Week took the author’s prerogative to ask, “What are common myths—and truths—about hyenas?”. When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. They too have the ability to hunt, and often go after goats, sheep, horses and donkeys. So with this hyena’s face that has long sharp teeth, it will eat that person and of course killing them in the process. Not only that, the animals experiment with a variety of ways to get the job done, which suggests innovative thinking, Sarah Benson-Amram, a zoologist at the University of Wyoming and study co-author, says by email. Imagine giving birth to a one and half kilograms cub through the clit. Part of this perception comes from people watching hyenas and lions fighting over a carcass. Unlike humans, Hyenas don’t just laugh to show their amusement. Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. Talk to us Now Enquire Here, In case of any inquiry, please contact us via our contact form. Hyena Myths Hyenas know as a scavenger, they pick up leftovers at the kills of Lion, Leopard, and cheetah. When Europeans first encountered hyenas they formed all sorts of misunderstandings about them. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Myth One - Contrary to what you might have heard, you cannot crossbreed a hyena with a dog or a cat. That aside, the Hyena cubs are born with their eyes open. So what is this peculiar genitalia all about? Mating is a laborious task for the male and the female have to be fully in consent. As far back as the ancient Greeks, it was believed that hyenas could change their sex. Fun Facts About Hyenas. Spotted Hyena cubs have to face a lot of problems in their lives. So apparently, the myth is just what it is. Although it does not sound too weird, considering Hyenas do scavenge sometimes, especially the striped ones, but Hyenas do nothing of the sort. “One day Jakhals and Hyena were out walking together when a white cloud came up behind the kopjes and floated over the veld quite close to them. The Hyena lives many places in the African continent. Despite all the negative stories about hyena, the spotted hyena has very interesting genitalia. 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Both sexes get erections when they’re excitedly greeting each other, Benson-Amram says. Even in the Hyena cubs, the girl is more dominant. These include grasslands, savannas, woodlands, mountains, forest edges and sub-desert.