    the spotted hyena (crocuta crocuta), also known as the laughing hyena, is a species of hyena, currently classed as the sole member of the genus crocuta, native to sub-saharan africa. it is listed as least concern by the iucn on account of its widespread range and large numbers estimated between 27,000 and 47,000 individuals. the species is however experiencing declines outside of protected areas due to habitat loss and poaching. the species may have originated in asia, and once ranged throughout europe for at least one million years until the end of the late pleistocene. the spotted hyena is the largest member of the hyaenidae, and is further physically distinguished from other species by its vaguely bear-like build, its rounded ears, its less prominent mane, its spotted pelt, its more dual purposed dentition, its fewer nipples and the presence of a pseudo-penis in the female. it is the only mammalian species to lack an external vaginal opening. the spotted hyena is the most social of the carnivora in that it has the largest group sizes and most complex social behaviours. its social organisation is unlike that of any other
Animals_described_in_1777 Fauna_of_Central_Africa Fauna_of_East_Africa Fauna_of_Southern_Africa Fauna_of_West_Africa Fauna_of_the_Sahara Hyenas IUCN_Red_List_least_concern_species Mammals_of_Africa