Hyenas, also spelled Hyaenas, are more closely related to cats than to dogs, although their appearance and behaviour is more dog-like.
There are three species of true hyena - the Spotted, the Striped and the Brown - and a fourth close relative, the Aardwolf, ranging over sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia.
The Striped Hyena shown on this page is the smallest true hyena and is native to much of North and East Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and India.
It is mainly nocturnal and mainly a scavenger. Its front legs are longer and stronger than the hind legs,
resulting in a sloping appearance but a better ability to carry heavy prey.