THE STRIPED HY/ENA 



(Hyffna striata) 



BF.ING a widely diffused animal, ranging throughout North Africa and 

 east through India, the Striped Hyaena is the most generally known 

 of the small family of carnivores which it represents. There are only 

 three kinds of Hyaenas, all confined to the Old World, and there is a 

 strong family resemblance between them. 



Our illustration well shows the somewhat dog-like form with, how- 

 ever, a strong slope in the back not seen in any Dog; but Hyaenas 

 differ from all Dogs in having only four toes on all the feet, whereas 

 in Dogs there are always five on the fore-foot, except in the curious 

 Hunting-Dog of Africa. This, however, although somewhat Hyaena- 

 like in other respects also, is not to be mistaken for any Hyaena. 



Hyaenas do not differ much in size, the present species being about 

 as large as a Mastiff. Their teeth are extraordinarily powerful ; it is 

 stated that they can snap the shin-bone of a Horse or Bullock in a 

 single effort. 



Indeed, they feed largely on bones, coming to a carcase after more 

 powerful creatures have left it. The Striped Hyaena is, in fact, a 

 pitiably cowardly creature, and seldom attacks living prey if it can 

 get carrion, though it will occasionally carry off Goats and Dogs. It 

 is nocturnal in its habits, retreating to some cave or other similar 

 hiding-place during the day. 



Sportsmen generally look upon this animal as mere vermin, and 

 do not molest it unless it makes a nuisance of itself by petty larceny 

 about a camp; but it is occasionally, in India, ridden at and speared, 

 as is done with more worthy quarry. When thus pursued, it is apt 

 to give a long run, for, although not a very fast animal, it jinks or 

 dodges to avoid the spear very adroitly. 



It has long been contended by hunting men that Horses like the 



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