Spotted Hyena vs Striped Hyena
How does the Spotted Hyena compare to the Striped 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
- Crocuta crocuta
- Hyaena hyaena
- Classification
- Mammal
- Mammal
- Family
- Hyaenidae
- Hyaenidae
- Habitat
- Savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and semi-deserts of sub-Saharan Africa
- Arid and semi-arid regions, scrublands, savannas, grasslands, open forests, and rocky terrain
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Carnivore
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Near Threatened
- Lifespan
- 12-25 years
- 10-12 years in the wild, up to 23 years in captivity
- Weight
- 40-86 kg
- 22–55 kg
Spotted Hyena vs Striped Hyena: who would win?

Spotted Hyena
40-86 kg

Striped Hyena
22–55 kg
Spotted Hyena wins moderate confidence
Spotted Hyena is substantially heavier (40-86 kg vs 22–55 kg). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. 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: Savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and semi-deserts of sub-Saharan Africa vs Arid and semi-arid regions, scrublands, savannas, grasslands, open forests, and rocky terrain.
- Conservation: Least Concern vs Near Threatened.
- Weight: 40-86 kg vs 22–55 kg.
Spotted Hyena vs Striped Hyena: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a Spotted Hyena or a Striped Hyena?
Spotted Hyena wins. Spotted Hyena is substantially heavier (40-86 kg vs 22–55 kg). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. 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 Spotted Hyena and a Striped Hyena?
Spotted Hyena and Striped Hyena differ in several ways — habitat: savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and semi-deserts of sub-saharan africa vs arid and semi-arid regions, scrublands, savannas, grasslands, open forests, and rocky terrain. conservation: least concern vs near threatened. weight: 40-86 kg vs 22–55 kg.
Do Spotted Hyena and Striped Hyena live in the same habitat?
No — Spotted Hyena lives in savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and semi-deserts of sub-saharan africa, while Striped Hyena is found in arid and semi-arid regions, scrublands, savannas, grasslands, open forests, and rocky terrain.
What do Spotted Hyena and Striped Hyena eat?
Both Spotted Hyena and Striped Hyena have a carnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the Spotted Hyena or the Striped Hyena?
Spotted Hyena is listed as Least Concern, while Striped Hyena is listed as Near Threatened.
How big are Spotted Hyena and Striped Hyena?
Spotted Hyena weighs around 40-86 kg, while Striped Hyena weighs around 22–55 kg.

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Spotted Hyena

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Striped Hyena



