Can Hyena Dogs Be as Smart as Primates?

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Hyenas, animals often associated with clumsy and foolish images in animated films, actually have incredibly sharp thinking abilities. A recent study shows that the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) is not only able to solve complex problems but also demonstrates superior creativity when facing challenges. This opens up a new perspective on this species and makes us reconsider animal intelligence.

In a study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B journal in 2012, Sarah Benson-Amram, a zoologist at the University of St. Andrews, showed that hyenas can use trial and error methods to solve technical problems, such as opening specially designed food boxes. The hyenas involved in the experiment applied different strategies such as biting, flipping, digging, and pushing the box to find ways to open them. Hyenas that experimented with multiple strategies succeeded more quickly than those that used only one method.

“These hyenas are very creative and can solve technical problems. They have cognitive abilities similar to primates in certain situations.” – Sarah Benson-Amram (Benson-Amram & Holekamp, 2012, Proceedings of the Royal Society B). These findings suggest that hyenas rely not only on strength but also on intelligence when solving social and technical problems.

Hyenas are highly social animals, living in groups and employing sophisticated cooperation strategies to ensure survival. They not only compete with other species but also face challenges from other hyena packs when their territories are invaded. When confronted with intruders, hyenas assess the situation and only engage when they believe they have an advantage in numbers. This demonstrates their ability to perceive and evaluate situations, showing an intelligence comparable to primates in many circumstances.

The ability of hyenas to deal with and solve complex problems is not new. Other studies on animals such as crows, dogs, or octopuses have shown that many species are capable of thinking and problem-solving. However, hyenas stand out in their ability to apply multiple approaches to solve a problem, reflecting their creativity and flexibility in thinking.

The thinking and problem-solving abilities of hyenas also provide a lesson for humans when facing challenges and finding creative solutions. When we encounter difficult situations at work or in life, constantly experimenting and finding different approaches may be the key to overcoming challenges effectively.