Here's one of about 550 spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) that call Ngorongoro crater (Tanzania) home. These carnivores are organized into eight identified clans with a strict linear hierarchy. At the top each clan? A alpha-female. Yup, hyena society is matriarchal in structure.
Female hyenas tend to remain in their clan for life. Young males often emigrate and join another clan.
See (and hear!) a spotted hyena for yourself. Join us on safari in 2026.!