Striped Hyena, Hyaena hyaena (Linnaeus, 1758) (Carnivora: Mammalia), Distribution, Threats and Conservation Recommendations in Batman Province

The striped hyenas, Hyaena hyaena (Linnaeus, 1758), are listed as Near Threatened (NT) category globally, while they are listed as Vulnerable (VU) category in Türkiye according to the IUCN (The International Union for Conservation of Nature). In this study, which was carried out between 2020 and 2023, it is aimed to determine the presence of striped hyenas, their distribution areas, threats to the species, and present conservation recommendations in Batman Province. Direct and indirect observations were made during all four seasons in 104 locations determined by interviews with hunters, shepherds, and local people, and camera traps were set up in these locations. The presence of striped hyenas was determined in 20 different localities of Batman Province. Threats to this species were determined during the observations, and protection recommendations were presented. This study is the most comprehensive research to date on the distribution of striped hyenas in a province in Türkiye.