FEEDING ECOLOGY OF THE STRIPED HYENA (HYAENA HYAENA) IN THE TLEMCEN HUNTING RESERVE, ALGERIA

The striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is the only hyenid species present in Algeria.It is a nearthreatened large carnivore and is poorly studied in North Africa.This study investigates the trophic ecology in the Tlemcen hunting reserve (2156 ha) in north-western Algeria through scat analysis.Over a span of three years (2016)(2017)(2018)(2019).197 scat samples were collected and analysed, allowing us to identify 740 prey items classified into 37 taxa using the identification keys and a reference hair collection.The obtained results were expressed as the frequency of occurrence and biomass percentage.Animal remains were the most common component of the diet, accounting for 95.9% of biomass, in which Sus scrofa was the most consumed prey, while plant remains contributed only 4.1%.Prey diversity was highest in summer with 31 items and lowest in winter with 18 items.These findings confirm the hyena's generalist and opportunistic feeding behaviour, emphasizing its ecological role.Its dietary flexibility should be considered in conservation strategies for the species in Algeria and North Africa.