The Nkoveni Female was found resting in the tall grass beneath the shade of a tree, proudly guarding her recent kill – an impala ram she had taken down earlier that morning. As the sun rose, casting a warm glow over the bushveld, a commotion in the nearby thickets caught her attention. Out emerged a spotted hyena, drawn by the scent of the meal. Without hesitation, the Nkoveni Female swiftly hoisted the impala up into the safety of the tree, out of reach of the persistent hyena. Luckily for the Nkoveni Female, the kill was just high enough that the hyena, despite its comedic jumping and clawing, couldn’t reach. We couldn’t help but laugh at its futile efforts.
This spectacle led to an inevitable question as we watched the hyena’s unsuccessful acrobatics: “Meg, is a hyena more of a dog or a cat?” Spending time with these uniquely built creatures often brings up this query.
The Evolutionary Journey of Hyenas
The story of hyenas dates back about 22 million years to the Miocene period in Europe, where a small, civet-like creature, possibly resembling a mix between a genet and a civet, roamed the forests. These early ancestors of today’s hyenas were adept at climbing trees and primarily subsisted on a varied diet of fruits and insects.
These original hyena ancestors then evolved to having retractable claws, like most in the cat family that hunt birds and small mammals.
As the world underwent significant climate shifts, transforming lush forests into expansive grasslands, these civet-like ancestors evolved dramatically. The species, now resembling something more akin to a mongoose and known as Plioviverrops, adapted to life on the ground. They developed non-retractable claws, contrasting the earlier versions and diversified their diet to include more ground-based foods.
Over time, this mongoose-like creature, called Plioviverrops, thrived, evolving into larger and stronger forms, eventually developing the formidable bone-crushing jaws that modern hyenas are famous for. Alongside physical prowess, they also developed impressive stamina and intelligence, coupled with a complex social structure. These adaptations made them formidable hunters, capable of taking down larger prey and outsmarting many larger predators.
So, to answer the question of whether hyenas are more akin to dogs or cats, it’s clear that while hyenas belong to the Carnivora Order, which includes both, they are more closely related to cats historically. However, their closest living relatives are actually the mongoose.
This remarkable evolutionary journey from tree-dwelling insectivores to the powerful, intelligent ground hunters we observe today showcases the adaptability and resilience of hyenas. Each laughable attempt to climb a tree not only provides a moment of humour but also a glimpse into the complex tapestry of evolution that has shaped the wildlife we see in Londolozi today.
That’s very interesting, I’ve often wondered about that. But although they’re fascinating creatures, they’re doomed to always be at the bottom of the popularity stakes! Well done to Nkoveni for reacting so swiftly….and how wonderful for you all to see a hoist. That was top of my bucket list, and finally on my 12th visit I watched Ximungwe hoist an impala into a tree (also watched by Ntomi, who was still a cub then). I’d seen it happen on TV and your blogs, but to actually be there was a truly phenomenal experience.
Megan, thank you for the history of hyenas . They have always been a more unsavory animal in my thoughts but, I have learned over the years that nature needs the scavengers and relentless predators in order to keep a balance. The hyena deserves more respect than I think I have given it over the years.
Fascinating! Thank you so much for these wonderfully informative blogs – they enhance my understanding and so enjoyment of wildlife so much!
Hyenas quickly became one of our faves after our safari in Kenya…they are remarkable creatures that get a very bad rap!!
This was fascinating! I never would have guessed they were cousins to mongooses.
Nkoveni is the ultimate leopardess and she has strength to take up a huge impala ram into the tree tops. So sad to hear about her one cub that was injured, and know not living anymore as the lions killed it. Hyenas is the Bain of my life. They are always stealing other predators hard earned kill, and forever killing everything that moves. The sound they make gives me the creeps.
Fascinating reading Megan, including information that explains some of their behavior. I had to laugh at the first photo of the hyena desperately trying to reach that kill but Nkoveni is just too smart! Most of the time they are just hovering around the base of the tree waiting for pieces to fall their way, or when really lucky, a dropped carcass. By the way, I think the pups are really cute…..
Thanks for this interesting history of the hyena’s evolution, Megan.
One of my very favorite African animals. They not only reject the duality of dog or cat but also male or female (sort of)!
Fascinating blog Megan. I’ve learned through these pages to appreciate the brilliant natural design of the hyena, and even like them a bit!