Let us be mindful, before the lost can no longer be found
While Nepal often celebrates its success in conserving charismatic species like the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), and Asiatic elephant (Elephas maximus), one shy and misunderstood creature is quietly disappearing, the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena).
Striped Hyena, commonly known as Hudar in Nepal however has got several local names in different distirct and community Hausey Bagh, Giddahi bagh Haddi bagh, lakkarbaggha, Bhedey Bagh and Lakkarey Bagh or lakkare are known for its nocturnal habits and scavenging lifestyle. It is among Nepal's most overlooked carnivores. Despite playing a vital role in the ecosystem, it rarely receives the attention or protection it deserves.
Striped Hyenas belong to the family Hyaenidae. Because of its similarity to both dog family as well as the cat family, they are placed in a different family, Hyaenidae. There are altogether 4 species in this family: Spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta), Brown hyaena (Hyaena brunnea), Striped hyaena (Hyaena hyaena) and Aardwolf (Proteles cristatus). Hyenas occur over a very large geographic range extending through the Middle East, Caucasus region, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent and Africa.
Of the four hyena species found globally, only the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) occurs in Nepal. The national population is estimated to be fewer than 100 individuals and is believed to be in steady decline so it has been listed as Nationally Endanger species. It has been reported from several protected areas of Nepal, including Parsa National Park, Chitwan National Park, Banke National Park, Bardia National Park, Black Buck conservation area and Shuklaphanta National Park. Outside protected areas, their presence has been documented in lowland districts of Kailali, Kanchanpur, Banke, Bardiya, Dang, Kapilwastu, Rupandehi, Nawalparasi, Chitwan, Parsa, Bara, Rautahat, Sarlahi, Udaypur and also from districts of midhills like Dadeldhura, Surkhet, Kalikot, Salyan, Pyuthan, Rukum, Arghakhanchi, Palpa, Gulmi, Sindhuli.
In Nepal, striped hyenas have been observed across a range of elevations from the lowlands to higher areas such as Salyan, Pyutan and Dadeldhura, yet the sightings remain rare. The species is among the least studied large carnivores in the country so actual status and population of the species is still a mystery. Most of the known population is concentrated in lowland regions. Deukhuri Valley of Dang district is also known as the valley of hyenas as distribution of hyena is recorded throughout the valley.
Striped hyenas are primarily nocturnal and solitary animals that use dens mainly for resting and raising young. They typically choose secluded sites such as rocky crevices, caves, or abandoned burrows to ensure safety from predators and human disturbance. Dens are often located in arid or semi-arid regions. Females use dens during gestation and lactation, giving birth to cubs that remain hidden for several weeks. The dens may have one or more chambers and entrances, offering protection and shelter. If threatened, the mother may relocate her cubs to a new den. Unlike more social hyena species, striped hyenas do not share dens with others. A study in Dang shows hyena and porcupine using the same den alternatively. Female brings the carrion to the den to feed the cubs and cubs spend more time playing around den.
Hyenas in Nepal face many threats including road kills, carcass poisoning, snare traps being killed in retaliation; recently illegal trade of hyaena has also been documented in Western Lowlad of Nepal, showing a new threat in country for the species. They are often killed by local people due to the perception that they prey on livestock. In many cases, hyenas become victims in conflicts involving other carnivores, such as leopards and Jackal. Even when hyenas are not responsible, they are sometimes blamed and killed, as they are mistakenly assumed to be the culprit. In many cases hyena are caught in snare traps of hunters targeted for prey species like deer and boar. This longstanding issue is particularly prevalent in areas outside the protected area network, although there have also been incidents of hyena killings.
Such misconceptions present a significant challenge for hyena conservation in Nepal. The belief that hyenas mostly prey on livestock may be misleading, as hyenas, particularly striped hyenas found in Nepal are primarily scavengers. They are more likely to feed on carrion than actively hunt live prey. This is supported by their physiological adaptations, including their digestive system and dentition, which are well-suited for scavenging rather than active predation. Moreover, with strong jaws and a powerful digestive system, they consume bones and decaying flesh, helping to prevent the spread of disease and maintaining ecological balance. For this reason, they are often referred to as nature's cleaners.
Therefore, Shy and elusive by nature, hyenas avoid human interaction and rarely hunt live animals. However, due to widespread misconceptions and fear, they continue to face torture in the wild. Outside protected areas, hyenas are roaming in Community managed forest and government managed forest so focus on raising awareness and educating local communities about the true ecological role of hyenas is essential. Promoting understanding that hyenas contribute to the ecosystem as scavengers, is key to reducing conflict and fostering coexistence.
Nepal's striped hyenas are in desperate need of attention, both from policymakers and the public. Without increased awareness and conservation efforts, this species may silently vanish from Nepal's wilderness, taking with it an irreplaceable role in the ecosystem.
The striped hyena is categorized as "Endangered" in Nepal's National Red List and is legally protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973. However, currently there is lack of conservation programs focused on this species in Nepal. Baseline surveys, awareness campaigns, and inclusion in national conservation strategies are urgently needed.
Every species has a role to play, ignoring the striped hyena just because it doesn't look majestic or isn't globally popular is a huge ecological mistake. If they disappear, we'll feel the consequences in ways we don't yet understand. Hyenas play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance as natural scavengers. By consuming carrion, they help prevent the spread of disease and support the health of the environment. As an often misunderstood and overlooked species, their declining population signals broader issues in ecosystem health and human-wildlife conflict. Conserving hyenas also promotes biodiversity and highlights the need to protect habitats outside protected areas. Raising awareness about their ecological role can reduce negative perceptions and killings, fostering coexistence with local communities and ensuring the survival of this unique species in Nepal's diverse wildlife landscape.
Protecting hyenas in Nepal requires a combination of community engagement, habitat protection, and scientific research. Raising awareness among local communities about the ecological role of hyenas as scavengers can help reduce negative perceptions and prevent retaliatory killings. Promoting coexistence through education and conflict mitigation strategies, such as improved livestock management, is essential. Strengthening protection in and around hyena habitats, especially outside protected areas, can safeguard their population. Conducting regular monitoring, population surveys, and ecological studies will inform conservation actions. Collaboration with local governments, conservation stakeholders and researchers can ensure long-term conservation efforts and promote a positive image of hyenas in Nepal. Beig nocturnal species sighting of hyena are believed rarer than tiger and snow leopard, in this regards Hyena tourism can be a new alternative for wildlife tourism in Nepal
As Nepal moves forward in its conservation journey, the question remains: will the nation recognize and act to protect this forgotten scavenger, or will the striped hyena continue to fade into darkness, a silent loss in the shadow of louder events?
Shristi Baral is an undergraduate in Forestry with interest in wildlife research and Conservation, Chiranjeevi Khanal is a wildlife researcher of Nepal and also a member of IUCN Hyena Specialist Group.