Exploring the Evolutionary Origins of Hyenas – Londolozi Blog

The Nkoveni Female was found resting in the tall grass beneath the shade of a tree, proudly guarding her recent kill – an impala ram she had taken down earlier that morning. As the sun rose, casting a warm glow over the bushveld, a commotion in the nearby thickets caught her attention. Out emerged a spotted hyena, drawn by the scent of the meal. Without hesitation, the Nkoveni Female swiftly hoisted the impala up into the safety of the tree, out of reach of the persistent hyena. Luckily for the Nkoveni Female, the kill was just high enough that the hyena, despite its comedic jumping and clawing, couldn’t reach. We couldn’t help but laugh at its futile efforts.

This spectacle led to an inevitable question as we watched the hyena’s unsuccessful acrobatics: “Meg, is a hyena more of a dog or a cat?” Spending time with these uniquely built creatures often brings up this query.

The Evolutionary Journey of Hyenas

The story of hyenas dates back about 22 million years to the Miocene period in Europe, where a small, civet-like creature, possibly resembling a mix between a genet and a civet, roamed the forests. These early ancestors of today’s hyenas were adept at climbing trees and primarily subsisted on a varied diet of fruits and insects.

These original hyena ancestors then evolved to having retractable claws, like most in the cat family that hunt birds and small mammals.

As the world underwent significant climate shifts, transforming lush forests into expansive grasslands, these civet-like ancestors evolved dramatically. The species, now resembling something more akin to a mongoose and known as Plioviverrops, adapted to life on the ground. They developed non-retractable claws, contrasting the earlier versions and diversified their diet to include more ground-based foods.

Over time, this mongoose-like creature, called Plioviverrops, thrived, evolving into larger and stronger forms, eventually developing the formidable bone-crushing jaws that modern hyenas are famous for. Alongside physical prowess, they also developed impressive stamina and intelligence, coupled with a complex social structure. These adaptations made them formidable hunters, capable of taking down larger prey and outsmarting many larger predators.

So, to answer the question of whether hyenas are more akin to dogs or cats, it’s clear that while hyenas belong to the Carnivora Order, which includes both, they are more closely related to cats historically. However, their closest living relatives are actually the mongoose.

This remarkable evolutionary journey from tree-dwelling insectivores to the powerful, intelligent ground hunters we observe today showcases the adaptability and resilience of hyenas. Each laughable attempt to climb a tree not only provides a moment of humour but also a glimpse into the complex tapestry of evolution that has shaped the wildlife we see in Londolozi today.