Hyena hunting in Namibia

Two species of Hyena occur in Namibia. The more commonly known Spotted Hyena and the lesser known Brown Hyena also called the Strandwolf (directly translated from Afrikaans means Beach Wolf) and have featured in numerous documentaries filmed along the Namibian coast. The Spotted Hyena needs no introduction as a species. These animals are known for their vocalisation and are probably Africa's most successful predators especially when hunting as a clan. They can be hunted in the Kalahari, central and northern Namibia as well as the Caprivi Strip. The Brown Hyena is mostly a solitary nocturnal carrion eater and has a distinctive long brown shaggy coat and seldom vocalises. Their jaws are not as powerful as their close cousins, the Spotted Hyena but nonetheless they are still able to kill seal pups and other small prey animals. Two subspecies occur in Namibia, the Southern Brown Hyena and the more dominant Northern Brown Hyena. Although they look alike and can interbreed. As the name suggests the two subspecies are geographically located according to authoritative scientific studies. Spotted Hyenas are listed as a species of least concern and the Brown Hyena is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Currently no special permits are required to hunt either species.