Quck answer
Spotted hyenas “laugh” as a means of communication with one another. It is a vocalization called a “whoop” and it can signal excitement, submission, or intimidation. Contrary to popular belief, hyenas do not laugh because they find something funny. They also use a variety of other vocalizations to communicate, including growls, grunts, and screams. These vocalizations are important for maintaining social bonds within hyena clans and for coordinating group hunts. Overall, the “laugh” of the spotted hyena is a unique and fascinating aspect of their complex social behavior.
Wild Animals
A spotted hyena can be seen running in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, appearing to have fun. However, there is more to it than meets the eye. This species of hyena, known as the Crocuta crocuta, can be found in the savannas of eastern Africa, and is known for its ability to consume every part of its prey, leaving no trace behind. With the strongest jaws in proportion to body size among all mammals, spotted hyenas can take down a 400-pound (181-kilogram) zebra and eat it, bones and all, in under thirty minutes [source: Kemper].
Spotted hyenas are often feared due to their strong jaws, nocturnal tendencies, and sly hunting techniques. Certain tribes in eastern Africa even believe that witches ride and control them. American children who watch Disney movies may have become frightened when the pack of menacing hyenas circled beloved Simba on the African plain. A hyena’s laugh can send shivers up the spine of even the bravest safari guide, similarly to how a wolf’s howl can instill fear in western United States.
While the idea of a spotted hyena’s powerful bite is terrifying, they are not mindless scavengers. Recent research has shown that these carnivores live in complex clans of 60 to 90 individuals. Additionally, their brains are much larger than those of the other three hyena species (brown, striped, and aardwolf), particularly in the frontal cortex, which regulates social intelligence [source: Zimmer].
In a hyena clan, a dominant female leads the pack, with a strict hierarchy below her, and male hyenas at the bottom. Female alpha hyenas can pass their dominance down to their cubs through hormones that surge in utero, making them more aggressive than cubs of subordinate hyenas. The female hyena’s uterus is narrow, causing 60% of cubs to die during birth. Additionally, litters with more than two cubs will result in a battle over milk, as females only have two nipples [source: Kemper].
Food fights among hyenas can lead to high mortality rates and the characteristic cackling laughter of spotted hyenas, which can be heard up to 8 miles (12.8 kilometers) away. However, this laughter is not an indication of happiness, but rather a response to agitation or attack [source: Joyce]. Mother hyenas have also been observed using melodic groans to communicate with their cubs, while each hyena has a unique “whoop” that serves as a calling card [source: Barras].
The fact that spotted hyenas engage in aggressive behavior during feeding time contradicts the common belief that they are scavengers. These animals scavenge less than a third of their diet and are actually the most abundant large predator in Africa. Hunting can be risky for hyenas, especially since they are often in competition with lions. Hyenas that hunt in groups have a higher chance of catching prey, but also attract more attention. Males are usually the last to eat and are bullied around the carcass. Once they reach sexual maturity, males will leave their clans to find a new one and impress females in order to mate. During breeding season, hyenas let out a chuckle, which is not a sign of aggression. Female hyenas have a pseudopenis, which makes mating and birthing difficult and painful.
FAQ
1. What is the spotted hyena’s laugh?
The spotted hyena’s laugh is a unique vocalization that is made up of a series of short, staccato sounds that resemble a human giggle. It is used by hyenas to communicate with each other and can be heard from up to three miles away.
2. Why do spotted hyenas laugh?
Spotted hyenas laugh for a variety of reasons, including to signal their dominance, to communicate with other members of their clan, and to express excitement or joy. The laughter can also be used as a form of intimidation or to warn off potential threats.
3. Are spotted hyenas laughing when they make the sound?
While the sound is often referred to as a “laugh,” it is not necessarily an indication that the hyena is actually experiencing joy or amusement. It is simply a vocalization that they use for communication and social interaction.
4. Can other animals make a similar sound?
While other animals may make vocalizations that sound similar to a spotted hyena’s laugh, such as some primates and birds, the hyena’s laugh is considered to be unique to the species.
5. Do all spotted hyenas make the laughing sound?
Not all spotted hyenas make the laughing sound. It is more commonly heard from females than males, and is often used as a form of communication within their clan.
6. Is the spotted hyena’s laugh a sign of aggression?
While the spotted hyena’s laugh can be used as a form of intimidation, it is not always a sign of aggression. Hyenas may laugh when they are excited or happy, as well as when they are communicating with each other.
7. Do spotted hyenas laugh when they are hunting?
Spotted hyenas may make the laughing sound while they are hunting, but it is not always the case. They may also use other vocalizations to communicate with each other and coordinate their hunting strategy.
8. Can humans imitate the spotted hyena’s laugh?
While some people may be able to imitate the sound of a spotted hyena’s laugh, it is a difficult vocalization to replicate. The unique structure of the hyena’s vocal cords and the way in which they produce the sound make it challenging for humans to mimic.
9. Are spotted hyenas dangerous to humans?
Spotted hyenas are generally not considered to be a significant threat to humans, although they can be dangerous if provoked or if they feel threatened. They are known for their powerful jaws and sharp teeth, and can be aggressive if they feel their territory or young are being threatened.
Leave a Reply