Abstract

The South-western Region of Rajasthan, (India) is known for its rich biodiversity including many endemic species. This study focuses on ecobehaviour and the status of the striped hyaena (Hyaena hyaena Linnaeus) in two wild life sanctuaries (Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary viz. KWS and Mount Abu Sanctuary) which are located in south western Rajasthan. In our survey of winter 2009 to 2010 (November to December 2009 and January to February 2010) in the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS), we have observed thirty eight hyenas on twenty seven incidences (eighteen times solitary animals, seven pairs and two packs of 3 animals). In the Mount Abu Sanctuary there were 46 hyenas on thirty six incident (twenty-eight of solitary animals, six pairs and two packs of 3 animals). All sightings were either at foothills or in the valley between two hills.

Key words: Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS), Mount Abu Sanctuary, hyaena, sightings.