India’s unsung heroes: How striped hyenas keep our ecosystem clean

Striped hyenas play a crucial role in keeping India’s ecosystem clean, but remain one of the most misunderstood animals due to their unusual appearance, preference for decaying meat, and nocturnal activities.

Estimates suggest there are around 5,000 to 14,000 striped hyenas worldwide, of which some 1,000 to 3,000 are in India — possibly one of the largest groups in any country. These estimates serve as a benchmark for research, since data on striped hyenas is otherwise scarce. India itself lacks an official census for the animal.

According to the non-profit Wildlife SOS, hyenas are considered the mounts of witches in the folklore of certain cultures, and these beliefs hamper conservation efforts.Experts say increasing awareness of the ecological value of striped hyenas will help mitigate cultural beliefs that keep the species at the brink.