Scientists observe the spotted hyena in Egypt for the first time in 5,000 years

Egyptian scientists have documented the appearance of the spotted hyena in the Elba Nature Reserve for the first time in 5,000 years, located 480 kilometres north of its known habitat in Sudan. However, this rare return was short-lived, as the hyena was killed by residents after attacking a goat.

This discovery, documented by zoologist Abdullah Nagi from Al-Azhar University and published in Mammalia Journal, has sparked significant interest in environmental and scientific circles. Specialists are questioning whether environmental changes are reshaping the wildlife map of the region, particularly since the hyena was spotted in areas it is not typically found.

Historically, the spotted hyena has been a prominent predator in Sudanese territories, playing a vital ecological role. Despite its “scary reputation,” the hyena is considered vital for maintaining ecological balance, acting as a “natural cleaner” by scavenging carcasses and dead animals.

Dr. Ammar Al-Baqir, a zoologist from Sudan, mentioned to Al-Arabiya.net that the spotted hyena might not be the last of the migrating species. The migration of wild animals from Sudan began about four decades ago with the outbreak of war between the north and south of the country. Sudan once hosted some of Africa’s largest and most significant nature reserves, such as Dinder National Park and Redum Reserve, which were on par with reserves in Tanzania and Kenya in terms of animal populations and geographical size. However, the war significantly impacted wildlife, especially in the Dinder National Park in the southeast, where large numbers of elephants and other animals crossed the Sudanese border into Ethiopia.

The spotted hyena is native to large areas of Sudan, including Dinder National Park, Redum Reserve in Darfur, and the plains and savannahs of Kordofan and Darfur. It also inhabits the southern Blue Nile area, where rocky terrain and valleys provide a haven. Although the hyena is present in northern Sudan, it is rare in desert areas due to the scarcity of food and water.

This finding raises questions about the ongoing changes in the region’s ecosystem and the migration patterns of wildlife.