Current Status, Ecological Role, Anthropogenic Threats, and Conservation Priorities of the Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in Pakistan
Aatika Umme Rooman1, Haseeb Afzal1, Abdul Rehman*1, Usama Usman1, Muhammad Muzammil Sialvi1, Ayesha Siddiqa Usman2, Manahil Rashi3 and Samavia Saeed1
1Department of Zoology, University of Jhang, Jhang, 35200, Punjab, Pakistan.
2Department of Zoology, Government Graduate College for Women, Jhang Sadar, 35200, Punjab, Pakistan.
3Department of Zoology, Government Graduate College, Adhiwal, Jhang, 35200, Punjab, Pakistan.
*Corresponding Author: rehmanqurashi67@gmail.com
Running Title: Current Status of the Striped Hyena in Pakistan
Abstract: The striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is technically listed as Endangered in Pakistan, yet we know surprisingly little about its actual situation on the ground. Basic facts—like how many there are, where exactly they live, or whether their numbers are going up or down—are completely missing. To figure out what we do know, we combed through published papers and essential reports to look at the hyena’s status, what it does for the environment, and the threats pushing it toward the edge. Occasional sightings tell us they still exist in parts of Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, no one has actually mapped their full range. The last time anyone even tried a structured survey was a small effort in Kirthar National Park over two decades ago, back in 2001. What little literature we have points to some serious problems. People are hunting them illegally, often killing them in retaliation because they mistake scavenging for predation. On top of that, their habitat is falling apart and their natural prey is vanishing. Our provincial wildlife laws might look good on paper, but out in the field, they just are not enforced. This is a huge loss, considering the hyena provides massive ecosystem services by clearing out dead animals and stopping disease—something most local communities do not realize. Right now, Pakistan is missing the bare minimum tools for conservation: we have zero genetic data, no population estimates, and no habitat models. If we want to move beyond just putting the hyena on an endangered list, we desperately need a proper national survey, real anti-poaching enforcement, and provinces working together.
Key words: Scavenger ecology, Kirthar National Park, Balochistan, human-wildlife conflict, illegal hunting, carnivore conservation, Pakistan biodiversity