They are, in fact, their own species, unrelated to canine and feline families. Also, the female is smaller than the male, though they are similar in size. Hyenas form their own family, Hyaenidae. Because the male hyena must insert his penis into the female hyena’s pseudopenis in a long, complicated process, rape of the female hyena is physically impossible.. Hyenas have originated in the forest of Miocene Eurasia around 22 million years ago. The female spotted hyena is significantly larger and more aggressive than the male, as well as possessing a long clitoris that resembles a penis so closely that early naturalists believed that there existed no female spotted hyenas. Female hyenas have only two nipples, so litters of more than two have to fight to survive, leaving the weakest cubs to die of starvation. Girl Power – Female hyenas are larger, more muscular, and more aggressive than male hyenas. It stands between 15 and 20 inches tall at the shoulders and only weighs between 50 and 60 pounds when it is fully grown. Hyena packs are matriarchal, which means that they are led by a dominant female. They usually find a wandering hyena to mate with. Hyenas live in territorial and large clans that can … It’s a misconception that hyenas are wild dogs. Female hyenas actually have three times as much testosterone as the males! Life’s Hard for the Boys – Male hyenas live a hard life in a female-dominated society. Thanks to their bulky build and aggressive behavior, female hyenas enjoy a dominant position that’s rare in the animal kingdom. Largest are spotted hyenas with 35 inches in height and 90 pounds in weight. They will all vary in terms of size, bulk and girth. Moreover, both have long legs and pointed ears. Interesting Hyena Facts: Hyenas vary in size. The aardwolf is the smallest species of hyena. 21. Facts About Hyenas By Alina Bradford - Live Science Contributor 10 June 2016 Spotted hyenas are known for their "laughs," but research shows the hyena giggles are anything but light-hearted. 9) A Female hyena gives birth to one or two cubs a year, which she nurses in a den. If that wasn’t weird enough, the female hyenas have to give birth through these things. Female Hyenas are weightier than males, and they can weigh up to 82kg. At that time, most early feliform species were still mainly arboreal. The spotted hyena’s body can grow up to 2m long, and a dark, bushy tail which, measures up to 25-30cm long. Majestic spotted hyena. Female hyenas do not mate with other hyenas within their clan. Photo by Laika ac. Hyenas live in a particular place in Africa, but they are not restricted to a specific area. In female-dominated spotted hyena clans, adult males are the lowest of the low. Smallest are aardwolves with 20 inches in height and 60 pounds in weight. The female hyena has a reddish-brown color, while the male is a dark black color cat. When the male hyena reaches sexual maturity at the age of two, he leaves home and goes to find a new group. 9. These are the brown hyena, the spotted hyena, the striped hyena and the aardwolf. https://africageographic.com/stories/good-bad-gory-birth-hyena-cub Hyena’s Habitat. Find out why with our fab spotted hyena facts ... There’s a strict hierarchy, where females rank higher than males, and the group is led by one powerful alpha female. Females are larger and more dominant than males.