Striped hyena
(Striped hyena)
Coordinator: Frederic Houssaye
Institution: Centre d'Etudes et de Recherche Zoologiques Augeron - CERZA
IUCN Red List status
Programme roles
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• Conservation Education (in range) The perception of striped hyenas (and hyenas in general) is mainly negative and related to livestock conflict issues. Education is the primary tool to counter this negative perception around the species - to increase understanding of their role in the ecosystem and their relationship with other carnivores. Education can help people perceive them as worth protecting and can help make carnivore conservation funding available to hyenas. • Research (taxonomy) the taxonomy of both in situ and ex situ populations needs more clarification to help conservation planning. Zoos can contribute with samples, expertise and resources for genetic testing. |
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• Research (species biology) General knowledge about the species biology is still very limited. Zoos can help building it up, and support ongoing research projects (staff funding for e.g.) in range countries. Even small contributions are much valuable. • Conservation Education (outside range) The perception of hyenas in general is negative and zoos can play an important role in educating visitors about these carnivores and their role in ecosystems. To improve their image, it is required that zoos exhibit them in attractive, well enriched, and educational enclosures. • Funding in situ support in situ projects that target local declining (threatened) striped hyena populations can benefit from the financial support of EEP participants. |
Programme numbers
In March 2023, the Striped hyena EEP had 91 animals in 38 institutions.
Programme highlights
- The EAZA Canid and Hyaenid TAG has a closed Facebook group where staff of EAZA Member institutions can discuss and find information about the species under the TAG.
- Zooquaria issue 106 (autumn 2019, pages 16-17) features an article about the challenges the hyena EEPs face in restoring the reputation of hyenas.