A study on the skull of the striped hyaena (Hyaena hyaena: Hyaenidae, Carnivora)

Abstract

Striped hyena one of the rapidly declining numbers of carnivore in Turkey, field studies have been carried out since 2013 in order to determine the current status and ecology of Hatay and Şanlıurfa provinces. During the our field surveys, four skulls and mandibulae of striped hyena were found. The muscles and skin parts were cleaned in the laboratory and the skulls were kept in 1% sodium hypochlorite solution for 24 hours and then washed with water. Examination and measurements were made on the skulls and photographs were taken. Fascial length, Cranial length, Skull width, Cranial width, Skull base and Palatal length measurements of skulls; total length, total height, candular height and length of the dental series were measured on the mandible, respectively. The anatomical structures of the skulls were photographed from the top, bottom and side. Because of there was a lack of information about the anatomical measurements and structure of the skull of the striped hyena, this study was needed. In addition to the study, the biggest threat elements in Hatay and Şanlıurfa countryside of striped hyenas are briefly given. If we look at the purpose of this study after the detailed information given about the striped hyena, it should give priority to the skull that has not been study so far. In addition, the striped hyena is declining rapidly in Turkey, by the work we would like to take attention of the researchers to these creatures.

Keywords

• Striped Hyaena,Hyaena hyaena,Hyaenidae,Carnivora

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