Spotted Hyena Clan 2027: Female Dominance, Greeting Ceremony and Serengeti’s Misunderstood Predator

The famous “laugh” of the spotted hyena is not an expression of amusement — it is a sound of nervousness or excitement, often made when hyenas are competing for food or feeling threatened. The “laugh” is actually a high-pitched giggle or cackle that signals submission. Spotted hyenas have over 11 distinct vocalisations, each with a specific meaning. The whoop is a long-distance call used to communicate with clan members. The groan is a greeting sound exchanged between individuals. The grunt is an aggressive vocalisation. The lowing sound is made by nursing mothers. Each hyena’s whoop is unique, allowing clan members to identify each other over distances of several kilometres. The “laugh” is just one part of this sophisticated communication system.

Spotted hyenas are primarily hunters, not scavengers. Studies in the Serengeti and Masai Mara have shown that spotted hyenas kill 70 to 95% of the food they eat. They are skilled endurance hunters, capable of sustaining speeds of 60 km/h over several kilometres to wear down prey. They hunt alone, in pairs, and in groups, using cooperation and stamina. However, hyenas are also opportunistic scavengers and will readily steal kills from other predators or feed on carrion. Their powerful jaws allow them to crush bones and access marrow that other predators cannot reach. This combination of hunting skill and scavenging ability makes them the most successful large carnivore in Africa. The misconception that hyenas are purely scavengers has been debunked by decades of research.

Female spotted hyenas are dominant over males due to their larger size, higher aggression levels, and unique social structure. Female hyenas are typically 10% larger and more muscular than males. They have higher levels of testosterone, which contributes to their aggressive behaviour. The social hierarchy is matrilineal — females inherit their mother’s rank. High-ranking females and their offspring have priority access to food and the best den sites. This female dominance is thought to be an adaptation to the intense competition at large carcasses, where larger, more aggressive individuals secure better feeding positions. Female dominance also ensures that the fittest females produce the most offspring, strengthening the clan over generations.

Spotted hyenas are widespread across East Africa and can be seen in virtually all major parks. The best locations include the Serengeti and Masai Mara, where well-studied clans provide excellent viewing. Ngorongoro Crater has a high density of hyenas that are often seen around kills. Amboseli and Tarangire also support significant populations. Hyenas are most active at night, so night drives in private conservancies offer the best viewing. At dawn and dusk, they are often seen returning to or leaving their dens. During the day, they rest in shade or at communal dens. The dry season concentrates hyenas around waterholes and remaining prey, improving viewing. Because hyenas are social and active, they are fascinating to watch — their interactions, vocalisations, and hunting behaviour provide endless interest.

Spotted hyenas are present year-round in all major East African parks. They are most active at night, so night drives in areas where permitted provide the best viewing. At dawn and dusk, hyenas are often seen travelling to and from their dens or hunting. During the day, they rest in shade or at communal dens. The dry season (June to October) may improve viewing as prey concentrates around water sources and hyena activity increases around kills. The wildebeest migration (July to October) provides spectacular hyena viewing, as large herds attract predators and scavengers. For photographers, dawn and dusk offer the best light for capturing these charismatic predators. A knowledgeable guide who understands hyena behaviour can locate dens and predict activity patterns.