In a remarkable development blending ancient and modern Egypt, scientists have verified the presence of a spotted hyena in the country for the first time since the era of the pharaohs, signaling a remarkable comeback after a 5,000-year absence. However, the joy of this discovery was short-lived as local residents killed the animal following attacks on their livestock.
Dr. Abdullah Nagy from Al-Azhar University, who spearheaded the research published in Mammalia, expressed his astonishment at the findings. “Seeing the evidence, I was completely taken aback. It was beyond anything we had expected to find in Egypt.”
The solitary hyena was located 30 kilometers north of Egypt’s border with Sudan, venturing an impressive 500 kilometers beyond its usual habitat. The animal’s migration seems to be linked to recent environmental changes that opened up a temporary wildlife corridor between the two countries.
The incident unfolded when the hyena killed two goats in the Wadi Yahmib area of Elba Protected Area. Local residents, skilled trackers familiar with the local wildlife, tracked down and eventually killed the predator with a pickup truck in February 2024.
By analyzing satellite data spanning nearly four decades, researchers observed an increase in rainfall and vegetation growth in the region over the past five years compared to the previous two decades. These changes likely created conditions favorable for the hyena’s unprecedented northward journey.
Spotted hyenas, typically found in sub-Saharan Africa, are adaptable predators capable of traveling long distances in a day. While they usually live in groups, this particular hyena traveled alone, potentially following paths with abundant vegetation and tracking livestock movements.
The area where the hyena was discovered represents a unique ecological zone where Egypt meets tropical Sudan, showcasing the country’s highest plant diversity. Recent alterations in pastoral practices, such as allowing more livestock to graze freely, may have attracted predators like the hyena.
Unlike regions in the Horn of Africa where humans and hyenas have coexisted for generations, southeastern Egypt lacks this cultural history. Livestock losses to predators can have devastating effects on local pastoralists, who have limited alternative sources of income.
This discovery prompts scientists to reconsider the known range of the species and emphasizes how climate change and human activities can impact animal behaviors. It also highlights the complex issues surrounding human-wildlife conflicts in areas where ancient predators strive to reclaim their territories.
Although the hyena’s journey ended tragically, its presence prompts discussions about wildlife conservation and adaptation in a changing climate. As environmental conditions evolve, unexpected sightings of large predators may become more frequent, challenging communities and conservation authorities to develop new strategies for human-wildlife coexistence.
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