Striped hyena has broad head with large eyes, thickset of muzzles and large, pointed ears. Powerful jaws and strong cheek teeth complete this animal. Its legs and feet are similar to a dog but the structure of the skull, and the teeth would place it in the cat family. Coat color varies from gray to light brown with vertical black stripes along the length of the body and has dark, striped legs.
It inhabits savanna, thorn bush, and stony desert regions. Length of male is around 150 cm. Height is about 90 cm and weighs 35 to 55 kg. Primarily scavengers, the diet also includes insects, small mammals, bird's eggs, fruit and vegetables.
Gestation period is of 90 to 95 days and gives birth to two to four cubs, which are blind. Female striped hyena has six teats.
The animal can be spotted in the Sanjay-Dubri Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh.
