Brown Hyena vs Spotted Hyena
How does the Brown Hyena compare to the Spotted Hyena? They are both members of the Hyaenidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.


Side-by-side comparison
- Scientific name
- Parahyaena brunnea
- Crocuta crocuta
- Classification
- Mammal
- Mammal
- Family
- Hyaenidae
- Hyaenidae
- Habitat
- Arid savannas, semi-deserts, and coastal scrublands
- Savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and semi-deserts of sub-Saharan Africa
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Carnivore
- Conservation status
- Near Threatened
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 12-15 years
- 12-25 years
- Weight
- 34–72 kg
- 40-86 kg
Brown Hyena vs Spotted Hyena: who would win?

Brown Hyena
34–72 kg

Spotted Hyena
40-86 kg
Spotted Hyena has the edge moderate confidence
Spotted Hyena is somewhat heavier (40-86 kg vs 34–72 kg), giving it the edge in a head-to-head. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
Similarities
- Both are mammals.
- Both belong to the Hyaenidae family.
- Both have a carnivore diet.
Differences
- Habitat: Arid savannas, semi-deserts, and coastal scrublands vs Savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and semi-deserts of sub-Saharan Africa.
- Conservation: Near Threatened vs Least Concern.
- Weight: 34–72 kg vs 40-86 kg.
Brown Hyena vs Spotted Hyena: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a Brown Hyena or a Spotted Hyena?
Spotted Hyena has the edge. Spotted Hyena is somewhat heavier (40-86 kg vs 34–72 kg), giving it the edge in a head-to-head. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
What is the difference between a Brown Hyena and a Spotted Hyena?
Brown Hyena and Spotted Hyena differ in several ways — habitat: arid savannas, semi-deserts, and coastal scrublands vs savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and semi-deserts of sub-saharan africa. conservation: near threatened vs least concern. weight: 34–72 kg vs 40-86 kg.
Do Brown Hyena and Spotted Hyena live in the same habitat?
No — Brown Hyena lives in arid savannas, semi-deserts, and coastal scrublands, while Spotted Hyena is found in savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and semi-deserts of sub-saharan africa.
What do Brown Hyena and Spotted Hyena eat?
Both Brown Hyena and Spotted Hyena have a carnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the Brown Hyena or the Spotted Hyena?
Brown Hyena is listed as Near Threatened, while Spotted Hyena is listed as Least Concern.
How big are Brown Hyena and Spotted Hyena?
Brown Hyena weighs around 34–72 kg, while Spotted Hyena weighs around 40-86 kg.

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Brown Hyena

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Spotted Hyena



