Environment News

Striped Hyena Conservation

September 5 , 2026 14 hrs 0 min 97 0

The conservation status of the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in India has highlighted the need for better population data and conservation efforts.
The striped hyena is listed as Near Threatened (NT) on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Around 5,000–14,000 striped hyenas are estimated worldwide, with about 1,000–3,000 in India; India does not have an official census.
It is mainly a scavenger that feeds on carrion and helps keep ecosystems clean by reducing the risk of disease from animal remains.
It has the highest legal protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, but India lacks a unified national action plan for the species.
Tamil Nadu has allocated ₹14 lakh for striped hyena conservation.