| Spotted Hyena | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Information | |
| Common Name | Laughing Hyena |
| Range | Africa |
| Scientific Classification | |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Hyaenidae |
| Genus | Crocuta |
| Species | Crocuta Crocuta |
| Conservation Status | |
 Least Concern | |
The Spotted Hyena (Crocuta Crocuta), also known as the Laughing Hyena, is a species of hyena native to sub-Saharan Africa, and the as the sole extant member of the genus Crocuta. It is listed as being of least concern by the IUCN because its range is spread fair large in Africa. However, the species is experiencing massive population declines due to climate change and poaching. The species is thought to have have originated in Asia, and once ranged throughout Eurasia and Africa for at least one million years until the end of the Late Pleistocene.
In the prehistoric past, the Spotted Hyena existed outside of Africa, mostly in Eurasia, and had subspecies such as the Cave Hyena (though it is debated whether or not it is a species or a subspecies).
Description[]
The spotted hyena is a medium sized robust feliform (cat-like animal) with a vaguely dog-like appearance and a stocky bear-like build. The fur of the spotted hyena's is a bright to dark yellow and is covered in dark brown spots, as well as a short mane that ranges in color from yellow to brown.