Hunting rates and hunting success in the spotted hyena (<i>Crocuta crocuta</i>)

Holekamp, Kay E.; Smale, Laura; Berg, Rainer; Cooper, Susan M.

doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.1997.tb02925.x

Cited by 166 publications

(145 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…The hunting success hypothesis, which is also supported by our data, suggests that hunting success increases with size. In contrast to other extant hyenas, spotted hyenas are proficient predators, and even solitary hunters can bring down prey up to four times their own body mass [49]. If selection is acting on hunting ability, then females with larger values of the hypoallometric trait should exhibit higher success rates during hunts.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lifetime selection on a hypoallometric size trait in the spotted hyena

2011

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Size-related traits are common targets of natural selection, yet there is a relative paucity of data on selection among mammals, particularly from studies measuring lifetime reproductive success (LRS). We present the first phenotypic selection analysis using LRS on size-related traits in a large terrestrial carnivore, the spotted hyena, which displays a rare pattern of female-biased sexual size dimorphism (SSD). Using path analysis, we investigate the operation of selection to address hypotheses proposed to explain SSD in spotted hyenas. Ideal size measures are elusive, and allometric variation often obfuscates interpretation of size proxies. We adopt a novel approach integrating two common methods of assessing size, and demonstrate lifetime selection on sizerelated traits that scale hypoallometrically with overall body size. Our data support selection on hypoallometric traits in hyenas, but not on traits exhibiting isometric or hyperallometric scaling relationships, or on commonly used measures of overall body size. Our results represent the first estimate of lifetime selection on a large carnivore, and suggest a possible route for maintenance of female-biased SSD in spotted hyenas. Finally, our results highlight the importance of choosing appropriate measures when estimating animal body size, and suggest caution in interpreting selection on size-related traits as selection on size itself.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lifetime selection on a hypoallometric size trait in the spotted hyena

2011

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“…Whereas the young of other carnivore species may rely on their mothers' hunting skills for food after they are weaned, young Crocuta seem unusually heavily handicapped because they lack not only the hunting skills needed to capture prey (Holekamp et al 1997), but also the necessary feeding capabilities to ingest food as quickly as adults once a kill has been made. The wild hyenas studied here were handicapped until 34 months of age, even during ingestion of a dog biscuit made of nothing more challenging than compressed cereal.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Post-weaning maternal effects and the evolution of female dominance in the spotted hyena

et al. 2009

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Mammalian societies in which females dominate males are rare, and the factors favouring the evolution of female dominance have yet to be clearly identified. We propose a new hypothesis for the evolution of female dominance and test its predictions with empirical data from the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), a wellstudied species characterized by female dominance. We suggest that constraints imposed by the development of a feeding apparatus specialized for bone cracking, in combination with the intensive feeding competition characteristic of spotted hyenas, led to the evolution of female dominance. Specifically, we propose that protracted development of the feeding apparatus in young hyenas led to selection for increased aggressiveness in females as a compensatory mechanism for mothers to secure food access for their young after weaning. Our analyses yielded results consistent with this hypothesis. Morphological and behavioural measurements indicate that skull development is indeed protracted in this species; spotted hyenas do not achieve adult skull size or feeding performance capabilities until after sexual maturity. The period between weaning and completed skull development is particularly challenging, as indicated by high mortality. Finally, maternal presence between weaning and full skull maturity, as well as the relative ability of females to aggressively displace conspecifics from food, are important determinants of offspring survival.

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“…Hyena appears to be the most abundant carnivore in the ecosystem (Kenana, personal communication) and because of its hunting strategy and its physical strength, it can easily take both small prey (shoats) and larger prey (cattle and donkeys) (Kissui, 2008). Therefore attacks by hyena are likely to depend on which livestock type is more readily available (Holekamp et al, 1997). Conversely, other smaller predators such as jackals, cheetah and leopard are likely to prefer smaller livestock prey than larger types, with their ability to overcome prey being the main influence on which livestock type they attack.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The pattern and cost of carnivore predation on livestock in maasai homesteads of Amboseli ecosystem, Kenya: Insights from a carnivore compensation programme

Okello¹,

Bonham²,

Hill³

2014

Int. J. Biodivers. Conserv.

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Results show that predation has been increasing with time, especially in recent years and during droughts; it is widespread across the Amboseli Ecosystem, but the frequency and intensity is higher near protected areas. The most common predators in the area studied are hyena, jackal, cheetah, lion and leopard; hyenas are the major predators, targeting all livestock types, while lion primarily target cattle. Between 2008 and 2012, more than KSh28 million was spent on compensation for over 9,000 livestock killed in bomas only. Poor Maasai homestead (boma) maintenance encouraged predation further. We recommend the compensation scheme to continue so that it cushions the Maasai from predation costs. Also, current measures of predation prevention such as improved livestock husbandry, construction of predator proof fences, and vigilance at night by the Maasai (especially the morans) should be encouraged, as it is within the MPCF. Benefit systems that complement predator compensation, such as generation of local employment, educational opportunities and involvement in carnivore conservation strategies, will help to conserve predators in the Amboseli ecosystem.

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Hunting rates and hunting success in the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta)

Cited by 166 publications

References 22 publications

Lifetime selection on a hypoallometric size trait in the spotted hyena

Lifetime selection on a hypoallometric size trait in the spotted hyena

Post-weaning maternal effects and the evolution of female dominance in the spotted hyena

The pattern and cost of carnivore predation on livestock in maasai homesteads of Amboseli ecosystem, Kenya: Insights from a carnivore compensation programme

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