XXIV 



HYENAS AND JACKALS 



WHILE the striped hyena is found only in certain 

 localities in East Africa, the spotted species 

 (Hycuna crocuta) is generally in evidence. Together 

 with the vultures and marabous, the hyenas are the 

 scavengers of this vast country; as a rule they do 

 away with the carcasses of the big mammals, and also 

 with the dead human bodies, before the process of de- 

 cay has a chance to start. 



The hyenas roam over the length and breadth of 

 Africa south of the Sahara, following the other animals 

 as they change their habitat according to the seasons. 

 Their presence can also be counted on wherever human 

 beings fall victims to famine or war. They also fre- 

 quently treat themselves to the remnants of game left 

 by the big beasts of prey, the lion and the leopard ; the 

 "fissi" are very keen in scenting these leavings. The 

 hyenas are marvellously quick in disposing of the big- 

 gest carcasses; their appetite is simply boundless. They 

 gulp down large pieces of flesh and big bones,, which 

 they grind with their strong teeth. 



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