Thanks to its unusual appearance, preference for decaying meat, and nocturnal activities, the Indian striped hyena is a tragically misunderstood animal. These estimates are a benchmark for research since data on striped hyenas is otherwise scarce. India itself lacks an official census for the animal.
Estimates suggest there are around 5,000 to 14,000 striped hyenas worldwide of which some 1,000 to 3,000 are in India — possibly one of the largest groups in any country.
However, inadequate data on the population of striped hyenas is a major roadblock. Sans a proper population estimate, its geographic distribution will remain unclear, and without which detail it is impossible to establish safe havens. The striped hyena’s shy, elusive nature also makes mapping its population an arduous challenge, although a sliver of hope remains in India’s proven ability to estimate the nationwide population of the snow leopard, which shares these traits with the striped scavenger.
