Wild Nature
Spotted Hyena: social structure
S1 • E17 Jul 1, 2008
The social structure a hyena clan is slightly more complex than most animal families. In these close-knit units the females reign supreme- amidst a strict and unforgiving hierarchical society. Her rank must be defended through endless challenges and her status determines everything from access to food, finding a mate and how she is treated by her fellow clansmen. The alpha female gives birth to the most cubs; her offspring quickly learn the hierarchical structure of the clan by mimicking their mother's behaviour. Through wrestling with other cubs and harassing larger adults with lower clan ranking the youngsters soon establish their own place in this family unit.
