Giant Hyena
The Giant Hyena is an animal found in the region of Lìrna, believed to be originally from the feywilds. Like their smaller siblings, the giant hyena is famous and feared for its laugh-like vocalizations. They are such adept survivors that in certain remote areas of Lìrna are effectively "ruled" by them as they are formidable predators who do not share their prey.
Once only believed to be mythical in origin, the collapse of the Feloran Empire enabled the Giant Hyena to reclaim its lost habitat. Increasing sightings reported by Sashen traders from 200 PE onwards to Sorenian merchants lead to the University of Melnor mounting several expeditions into the region, the fifth of which was to confirm their existence in 329 PE.
Basic Information
Anatomy
A large beast, the giant hyena has four long limbs ona short torso, each with 5 digits, all four of which it walks on. Both species of Giant Hyena have dog-like ears on top of their heads and eyes, located on the front of the skull. There are two main groups of the species, the Great Aardwolf, with mininal thin black stripes on greyish-brown fur, and the spotted/striped Giant Hyena, the more aggressive of the two, with white or black spots/stripes on its brown fur.
Genetics and Reproduction
Giant hyenas are monogmous, seeking a single mating partner and rearing their young from a safe habitat, such as a cave or rock formation. They are sexually dimorphic, requiring two sexes to produce viable offspring.
Ecology and Habitats
Great Aardwolves live in dry, open bushland and plains, common to the M'Ënbil, but they avoid people and are solitary creatures, they are said to guard entrances to the feywilds. Spotted and stripped giant hyenas will live in mountainous areas, woodlands, and savannas such as Fya'lan. They're skilled burrowers too, able to dig deep into the earth when ground conditions permit. This often results in their hunting grounds being in the remote mountain passes to the west of Lìrna.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The Great Aardwolf feeds on large dry crusaceans such as desert scorpions, in addition to smaller insects like its smaller cousin. Giant spotted and striped ones however, are far more territorial and hunt packs of
Giant Hyena, spotted by craiyon.com
Lifespan
10-20 years
Average Height
1.5 - 2 meters
Average Weight
200- 400 kgs
Average Length
2.5 meters
Geographic Distribution
Pleistocene cave hyena skull from Wookey Hole by Dawkins, William Boyd, Sir, 1838-1929; et. al.
