The striped hyena is native to North and East Africa, the Middle East, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Indian Subcontinent. It is the smallest of the true hyenas. They are mostly scavengers but have been known to kill their own prey. The striped hyena is monogamous, mating for life. Though it plays dead if threatened, it will still stand its ground if it has to. They are listed as Near Threatened.