Dingo vs. Hyena — What's the Difference?

Known for their distinctive howl, used for communication.

Found predominantly in Africa, adapting to various ecosystems from savannahs to forests.

A wild dog native to Australia known for its adaptability to various environments.

A member of the Hyaenidae family, known for its powerful scavenging ability.

A solitary or pack-living animal, depending on environmental conditions.

Exhibits complex social behavior, forming large matriarchal clans.

Not a breed of domestic dog, but a distinct species of wild canid.

Often misrepresented as merely scavengers, though they are skilled hunters.

Subject to conservation efforts due to habitat loss and hybridization.

Characterized by distinctive vocalizations interpreted as laughter.

The dingo (Canis familiaris, Canis familiaris dingo, Canis dingo, or Canis lupus dingo) is an ancient (basal) lineage of dog found in Australia. Its taxonomic classification is debated; as per the variety of scientific names presently applied in different publications, it is variously considered a form of domestic dog not warranting recognition as a subspecies; a subspecies of dog or wolf; or a full species in its own right.

Hyenas, or hyaenas (from Ancient Greek ὕαινα, hýaina), are feliform carnivoran mammals of the family Hyaenidae . With only four extant species (in three genera), it is the fifth-smallest biological family in the Carnivora and one of the smallest in the class Mammalia.

A wild dog (Canis lupus subsp. dingo) of Australia and Southeast Asia, having a reddish-brown or yellowish-brown coat.

A doglike African mammal with forelimbs that are longer than the hindlimbs and an erect mane. Hyenas are noted as scavengers but most are also effective hunters.

A wild dog native to Australia (Canis familiaris, Canis familiaris dingo, Canis dingo, or Canis lupus dingo).

Any of several carnivorous mammals of the family Hyaenidae of Africa and Asia, which feed as scavengers and have powerful jaws, relatively short hind limbs, and coarse hair.

A cowardly or otherwise despicable person.

Any of the medium-sized to large feliform carnivores of the subfamily Hyaenidae, native to Africa and Asia and noted for the sound similar to laughter which they can make if excited.

A wild dog found in Australia, but supposed to have introduced at a very early period. It has a wolflike face, bushy tail, and a reddish brown color.

Any carnivorous mammal of the family Hyænidæ, doglike nocturnal mammals of Africa and southern Asia, of which three living species are known. They are large and strong, but cowardly. They feed chiefly on carrion, and are nocturnal in their habits.

Wolflike yellowish-brown wild dog of Australia

Doglike nocturnal mammal of Africa and southern Asia that feeds chiefly on carrion

Dingoes are predominantly found in the diverse landscapes of Australia, including deserts, forests, and grasslands.

No, dingoes are wild canids and are not domesticated, although they are closely related to domestic dogs.

Hyenas use a variety of sounds, including groans, yells, and laughter-like noises, to communicate social status and emotional states.

Hyenas hunt a variety of prey, including large mammals such as wildebeest and antelope, often using teamwork.

Dingoes often hunt alone or in small groups, focusing on smaller prey, while hyenas can hunt in large groups targeting much larger animals.

No, dingoes and hyenas cannot interbreed as they belong to different families and genera.

Dingoes are considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and hybridization, whereas hyena conservation statuses vary by species but include concerns about habitat encroachment and hunting.

Dingoes play a crucial role as apex predators, helping to maintain the balance of species and control populations of herbivores and smaller predators.

Dingo groups can vary widely, but hyena clans are typically large, sometimes consisting of up to 80 individuals.

Hyenas are often portrayed negatively due to myths and misconceptions about their scavenging habits, overshadowing their complex social structures and efficiency as predators.