<< Previous Next >>

Sleeping Hyena


Sleeping Hyena
Photo Information
Copyright: Martyn Peck (Travelcam) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 496 W: 66 N: 514] (5517)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 1990-04
Categories: Daily Life, Humorous, Nature, Event
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-03-14 0:33
Viewed: 435
Points: 14
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The Spotted Hyena, or Laughing Hyena, is a large, terrestrial carnivore native to the African continent. They are best known for their croaking, birdlike bark that resembles the sound of hysterical human laughter.

Though often labeled incorrectly as a scavenger, the spotted hyena is actually a powerful hunter, the majority of its nourishment being derived from live prey. Spotted hyenas are the most common predator in sub-saharan Africa, living in grassland savannas in Africa.

Primarily a solitary hunter, the spotted hyena makes 75% of its kills alone. However, the success rate (26%) is much smaller than that of hunts attempted by small groups of 2-4 hyenas (46%). When hunting in small groups, the hyenas approach their prey from downwind (so their scent is not picked up by the prey) in fan formation to promote an uneven dispersal of the target prey.

Though predominantly a hunter, the spotted hyena will devour carrion if the opportunity arises. Hyenas have a very acute sense of smell, and can detect carcasses many kilometers away. They will also follow vultures in the hope of being led to an easy meal.

Hyenas have extremely strong jaws in relation to their body size. They also have a very powerful digestive system with highly acidic fluids. This makes them capable of eating and digesting their entire prey, including skin, teeth, horns, bones and even hooves. The hyenas digestive system is so efficient, it can even derive nourishment from mummified corpses.

PSP workshop:
1. Resized
2. Colour saturation adjustment
3. Re-sharpened
dvlazar, dareco, NellyD, viawia, Ramdan has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekLens members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekLens members may write critiques.
Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Ramdan: ThnxTravelcam 2 03-16 01:26
To viawia: Thanks WiaTravelcam 1 03-16 01:05
To The-Turtle: ThanksTravelcam 1 03-16 01:02
To Monceflibra: Thanks for your feedbackTravelcam 1 03-16 01:01
To NellyD: Thanks NelTravelcam 1 03-16 01:00
To dareco: Thanks KarenTravelcam 1 03-16 00:58
To dvlazar: ThnxTravelcam 1 03-16 00:57
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

A nice capture of this aggressive creature. I like your close proximity - it feels like he might wake any moment!
Dave

This is really an amazing picture! The most detailed I have ever seen of this animal. The lighting and colors are excellent. TFS

Hi Martyn,

What a great picture of this sleeping Hyena, I like this a lot. Beautiful natural colours, good light, POV and composition. And the Hyena looks very relaxed :-)
TFS

Greetings, Nel

Hi MArtyn
Very risky but interesting picture! I guess it was a particular experience shooting this Hyena
Take care

Hi Martyn ^^
Hi hi !! It's funny ! I want to say to him " good siesta "^^.
Nadine

Excellent photo of the hyena Martyn. You had a perfect opportunity here to capture this one. I assume it was taken somewhere in Africa - difficult to get captures like this even of them in captivity. I also enjoyed the note. TFS

Wia

Hi Martyn,
Looking into this, I believe that you had done a great job to capture this aggressive hyena while it was sleeping so well. It looked cute with this pose... :D
Love the moment, the sharpness and details here. Very, very well done, Martyn.
TFS
Ramdan.

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF