A spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) has been found in southeastern Egypt, marking the species’ first recorded presence in the region in 5,000 years. The hyena was killed near Wadi Yahmib, close to the Sudanese border, after it attacked livestock, according to a study published in Mammalia.
Dr Abdullah Nagy, lead author of the study from Al-Azhar University, expressed his astonishment: “At first, I couldn’t believe it until I saw the photos and videos of the remains. This discovery was beyond anything we expected in Egypt.”
The hyena’s presence, 500 kilometres north of its usual range in Sudan, is believed to be linked to climate changes. Researchers point to the Active Red Sea Trough, a natural weather pattern, which may have increased rainfall and vegetation in the region, creating a temporary migration corridor. Satellite data from 1984 to 2022 shows a significant increase in plant growth over the past five years, likely supporting prey species and facilitating the hyena’s journey.
Typically found in sub-Saharan Africa, spotted hyenas are known for their social hunting strategies and their ability to travel long distances—up to 27 kilometres daily. This sighting represents a significant shift in the history of Egypt’s wildlife, as the species had not been seen there for millennia.
The study also highlighted the potential impact of hyenas on local communities in southeastern Egypt, where livestock losses can have devastating economic consequences. Unlike regions such as the Horn of Africa, there is no cultural history of coexistence between local populations and spotted hyenas in Egypt.
Should the species establish a presence in the region, spotted hyenas could become apex predators in southeastern Egypt, given the scarcity of other large predators in the area, researchers concluded.
