Striped Hyena

Striped hyenas provide a contrast to spotted hyenas—they're largely solitary rather than clan-living, and lack the strong female dominance that characterizes spotted hyenas. Comparing the two species reveals how ecology shapes social structure: striped hyenas face different resource distributions that don't favor complex sociality.

Solitary foraging reflects resource distribution. Striped hyenas primarily scavenge, and carcasses are unpredictable and scattered. Group foraging would increase competition without providing hunting benefits. The ecological constraints favor solitary living over clan cooperation.

Pair bonds exist during breeding. Unlike spotted hyenas with promiscuous mating, striped hyenas form pair bonds where males help provision dens. This paternal investment pattern differs sharply from spotted hyenas where males provide little parental care.

Female dominance is absent. Male and female striped hyenas are similar in size, and neither sex clearly dominates the other. The dramatic female dominance of spotted hyenas appears linked to their unique clan social system rather than being a hyena family trait.

For organizations, striped hyenas illustrate that social complexity isn't universal—it emerges when ecological conditions favor it. Organizations shouldn't assume complex hierarchy is always optimal; sometimes simpler structures match resource environments better.