Hyena hunting in Zambia

Only one Hyena species occurs in Zambia. The Spotted Hyena is found throughout Zambia with the highest concentrations occurring in the National Parks and Game Management Areas (GMA). In Western Zambia at the Liuwa Plains National Park, this species is actually the apex predator in the region. Spotted or Laughing Hyenas live in clans. These family groups are highly territorial, led by a dominant female and use scat (dung) middens to demarcate these territories. They also use scent markings secreted by a gland between the hind legs to mark their territory. These mostly nocturnal animals, although known as scavengers are highly efficient hunters and work as a team to bring down their prey. They respond well to predator callers and normally hunted over bait. No CITES permits are required to hunt a Hyena and are classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN.