Distribution of the Striped Hyaena (Hyaena hyaena syriaca Matius, 1882) (Carnivora: Hyaenidae) in urban and rural areas of Lebanon

Abstract

Striped Hyaenas (Hyaena hyaena syriaca) remain widely distributed across Lebanon, as revealed from a compilation of sources ranging from newspapers, to oral and official ministerial reports. They were observed in both urban and rural sites, and across non-protected and protected areas in all governorates, except in the densely populated capital Beirut. Interactions between Striped Hyaenas and people were studied in six identified sites representing a range of ecological, socio-economic and conservation-related conditions. Indirect signs determined by transect surveys of Striped Hyaenas, including footprints, hairs and scats, which were conducted from September 2002 to August 2003, indicate differences in the relative abundance of Striped Hyaenas between the different study sites. Very few indirect signs of Striped Hyaenas were noted in the two nature reserves studied, with more signs outside of these reserves in both urban and rural settings.