542 CARNIVORA 
in shape, but with the marks of the hind feet conspicuously smaller 
than those of the fore feet. Unlike the Spotted Hyzna, 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 Hyena 
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 
Veg: & = RU ENN 
: SSS RSE RONE 
Fic. 246.—The Striped Hyzna (Hyena striata). 
Hyzenas, after the flesh has been picked off by vultures and jackals. 
Occasionally sheep or goats, and more often dogs, are carried off by 
Hyenas, and the latter at all events are often taken alive to the 
animal’s den.” The Striped Hyena is essentially a cowardly animal, 
and one that is much more silent than H. crocuta. Remains of 
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 
amane. . crocuta, the Spotted Hyena (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,! this species may be considered as by far the more 
1 The anatomical peculiarities of Hywna crocuta have been fully elucidated in 
