542 CARNIVORA 



in shape, but with the marks of the hind feet conspicuously smaller 

 than those of the fore feet. Unlike the Spotted Hyaena, the Striped 

 species appears to be solitary in its habits, and it is rare to meet 

 with more than two together. The principal food of the Hysena 

 consists of the carcases of animals that have died of disease or been 

 killed by beasts of prey, and very often it carries off portions of 

 the body to its den. I once shot one that was carrying away the 

 hind leg of a Nilghai. The powerful jaws and large teeth are 

 admirably adapted for crushing bones, which are consumed by 



FIG. 246. The Striped Hysena (Hyaena striata). 



Hyaenas, after the flesh has been picked off by vultures and jackals. 

 Occasionally sheep or goats, and more often dogs, are carried off by 

 Hyaenas, and the latter at all events are often taken alive to the 

 animal's den." The Striped Hyaena is essentially a cowardly animal, 

 and one that is much more silent than H. crocuta. Remains of H. 

 striata are found in the cavern-deposits of the south of France, and 

 also in the Upper Pliocene of the Val d'Arno in Tuscany, and in 

 the English Red Crag. 



The Crocutine group presents the following characters. Upper 

 molar extremely small, two- or one -rooted, often deciduous. 

 Lower molar without trace of inner cusp, and with an extremely 

 small talon. Ears moderate, rounded. Hair not elongated to form 

 a mane. H. crocuta, the Spotted Hyaena (Fig. 247), from Africa 

 south of the Sahara. In dental characters as well as in its 

 visceral anatomy, especially as regards the reproductive organs of 

 the female, 1 this species may be considered as by far the more 



1 The anatomical peculiarities of Hycena crocuta have been fully elucidated in 



