Spotted Hyena also known as Laughing Hyena

The Spotted Hyena also known as Laughing Hyena, is a carnivorous mammal of the family Hyaenidae, of which it is the largest extant member. Though the species' prehistoric range included Eurasia extending from Atlantic Europe to China,it now only occurs in all of Africa south of the Sahara save for the Congo Basin.Though often mislabeled as cowardly scavengers, spotted hyenas derive the majority of their nourishment by hunting medium sized ungulates,and frequently clash with lions over food and territory.They are highly intelligent among the carnivora, with studies indicating that their social intelligence is on par with some primate species.

Behavior

Spotted hyenas will rest and give birth in dens, which they rarely dig themselves: they will often use the abandoned lairs of warthogs, springhares and jackals.Unlike grey wolves, it is not uncommon for spotted hyenas to accommodate cubs of different litters in one den.Spotted hyenas will sometimes live in close proximity to warthogs, sharing mudholes and sleeping within a few metres of each other.Spotted hyenas may sleep in the open if the weather is not too hot, but otherwise they will rest near lakes, streams or in mud or dense shrubs.Unlike most social carnivores, spotted hyenas still display some atavistic behaviours of their solitary ancestors: spotted hyenas still head out for food alone, but later return to their community.Like other hyenas, spotted hyenas have two anal scent glands, which open into the rectum just inside the anal opening,though these glands are less elaborate than those of other hyena species.

Body language

Spotted hyenas have a complex set of postures in communication. When afraid, the ears are folded flat, and are often combined with baring of the teeth and a flattening of the mane. When attacked by other hyenas or by wild dogs, the hyena lowers its hindquarters.The tail usually hangs down when neutral, though it will change position according to the situation. When a high tendency to flee an attacker is apparent, the tail is curled below the belly. During an attack, or when excited, the tail is carried forward on the back. An erect tail does not always accompany a hostile encounter, as it has also been observed to occur when a harmless social interaction occurs. Although they do not wag their tails, spotted hyenas will flick their tails when approaching dominant animals or when there is a slight tendency to flee.When approaching a dominant animal, subordinate spotted hyenas will walk on the knees of their forelegs in submission.

Vocalisations

The loud "whoop" is a characteristic sound of the African night and is audible for over 5 km or more.It is a rallying cry, which varies in speed and pitch according to the urgency of the situation.Spotted hyenas also whoop to show off as individuals, the rate and style being an indicator of social status. Because of this, spotted hyenas whoop singly rather than in chorus, as wolf packs do to display their collective strength.Giggles and grunt-laughter tend to be emitted in situations of great excitement, and perhaps indicate a conflicting tendency to flee or stay. The giggles, yells and grunts which accompany mass feeding tend to be directed at competing individuals at a carcass, and has the secondary, disadvantageous effect of attracting lions and other spotted hyenas. Soft grunts are made by females calling their cubs.When attacked, spotted hyenas will emit loud growls and whimpers.