Why It Sucks to Be a Male Hyena

TL;DR

Female hyenas hold the power in hyena clans, resulting in a tough and challenging life for male hyenas.

Transcript

Hi, this is Kate from MinuteEarth. And this is Scarface, one of the hyenas I studied in Kenya; and like all male spotted hyenas, his life sucks. Babyhood is actually the pinnacle of a male hyena’s life. Itty-bitty cubs of both sexes rank just below their moms, who make up the entire top of the clan's social hierarchy – more on that later. So cubs h... Read More

Key Insights

• 🕵️‍♂️ Male hyenas experience a decline in social status and access to resources once they reach maturity and leave their clans.
• 🕵️‍♀️ Female hyenas dominate the hierarchy due to their size and aggression, resulting in a female-dominated society.
• 😘 Male hyenas endure injuries, worn-down teeth, and shorter lifespans as a result of aggressive hazing and low social standing.
• 😜 Unlike most mammals, male hyenas cannot challenge high-ranking individuals to increase their social status.
• 🕵️‍♀️ Female hyenas have a significantly longer lifespan compared to males.
• 🕵️‍♀️ Female hyenas' dominance is likely due to their need to protect their offspring in a competitive feeding environment.
• ❓ The rigid hierarchy of hyena society is unique among social mammals, and the reason behind it is still unknown.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why do male hyenas leave their clan once they reach maturity?

Male hyenas leave their clan to avoid inbreeding and search for new mating prospects.

Q: How do male hyenas join a new clan?

Male hyenas endure aggressive hazing by the new clan and must gain acceptance before becoming the lowest-ranking members.

Q: Do male hyenas have any chance to increase their social standing?

Male hyenas have no way to move up the social hierarchy besides waiting for new males to join the clan below them or for males ahead of them to die.

Q: Why are female hyenas larger and meaner than males?

Female hyenas are bigger and meaner than males because they need to protect their offspring in a highly competitive feeding frenzy.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Male hyenas experience the peak of their lives during their cubhood, with access to food and resources.

• Once they reach maturity, male hyenas leave their clan in search of mating prospects but face aggressive hazing and become the lowest-ranking members of the new clan.

• Unlike most mammals, female hyenas dominate the hierarchy due to their size and aggression, resulting in male hyenas enduring injuries, worn-down teeth, and shorter lifespans.