Spotted Hyena

LC Carnivore, Scavenger Grasslands, Savannahs
44–64 kg
Weight
12–25 yrs
Lifespan
56 km/h
Top Speed
Sub-Saharan Africa
Found In

Endemic to Sub-Saharan Africa, the Spotted Hyena is a carnivore, scavenger species inhabiting grasslands, savannahs habitats. Weighing 44–64 kg, it is classified as Least Concern.

Physical Characteristics & Habitat

Size & Speed

Metric Spotted Hyena Carnivore Mammals Median Difference
Weight 54 kg 50 kg ↑ 8%
Height 81 cm
Top Speed 56 km/h 48 km/h ↑ 17%
Avg Speed 60 km/h
Weight (kg)54avg 50Speed (km/h)56avg 48Lifespan (yrs)18.5avg 12.5

Habitat & Distribution

The Spotted Hyena inhabits grasslands, savannahs habitats. It can be found in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Typical coloring: Yellowish-brown.

Diet & Predators

Diet: Carnivore, Scavenger
Predators: Lions, Leopards

Behavior & Reproduction

Social Structure

The Spotted Hyena is a group-based species belonging to the Hyaenidae family.

Reproduction

Gestation Period: 90–110 days
Offspring per Birth: 1-4
Lifespan: 12–25 years

Conservation & Comparison

IUCN Conservation Status

LC The Spotted Hyena is classified as Least Concern. There are 66 species with the same status in our database.

Species Comparison

Among 32 carnivore mammals, the Spotted Hyena’s weight of 44–64 kg is comparable to the group median of 50 kg.

Weight rank: #19 of 66 Least Concern species.

# Species Weight Status
1 Humpback Whale Up to 30000 kg LC
2 Walrus Up to 1200 kg LC
3 Yak 500–1200 kg LC
4 Water Buffalo 300–1200 kg LC
5 Zebra 400–900 kg LC

Related Species

How much does a Spotted Hyena weigh?

A Spotted Hyena typically weighs 44–64 kg, which is near the global average compared to the median of 50 kg among carnivore mammals.

What is the conservation status of the Spotted Hyena?

The Spotted Hyena is classified as “Least Concern”. There are 66 species with the same status in our database.

Where does the Spotted Hyena live?

The Spotted Hyena is found in Sub-Saharan Africa, in grasslands, savannahs habitats.

How does the Spotted Hyena reproduce?

The Spotted Hyena has a gestation period of 90–110 days and typically produces 1-4 offspring per birth.

Data Sources: IUCN, WWF, National Geographic, Smithsonian Institution.

Last Updated: April 10, 2026