Intraspecific Variation in the Behavioral Ecology of a Tropical Carnivore, the Spotted Hyena

The spotted hyena ( Crocuta crocuta ) has been the subject of many short-term studies as well as two long-term studies that have been underway since the 1980s. This species occupies a wide range of habitat types, and exhibits remarkable plasticity in many aspects of its behavioral ecology. After reviewing the few traits in this species that appear to be highly invariant among habitats, we discuss the plasticity otherwise characteristic of spotted hyenas as documented in studies conducted throughout sub-Saharan Africa. We then compare the behavioral ecology of two hyena populations inhabiting savanna habitats less than 100 km apart in eastern Africa to show that surprising variation in the behavioral ecology of this species can occur even within a single ecosystem. Finally, we consider responses of hyenas to anthropogenic disturbance, and suggest that documentation of the limits of their behavioral plasticity is critical to the conservation of these and other large African carnivores.