Hyena vs. Jackal — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
Hyenas are large, primarily scavenging mammals known for their strong jaws and laughter-like calls, belonging to the family Hyaenidae. Jackals are smaller, more omnivorous canids that are closely related to wolves and dogs.
Difference Between Hyena and Jackal
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Hyenas are mammals that belong to the family Hyaenidae and are known for their robust build, strong jaws, and unique vocalizations that resemble laughter. They are primarily scavengers but can also hunt in packs. Jackals, on the other hand, are part of the Canidae family, which also includes dogs and wolves. They are smaller than hyenas and are usually omnivorous, eating a variety of foods including plants, small mammals, and carrion.
Both hyenas and jackals are opportunistic feeders that have adapted well to various environments, from forests to grasslands to deserts. However, the hyena is more associated with scavenging behaviors, often feeding on the remains of kills made by other predators. Jackals are generally more versatile in their diet and are also known to be more cunning, often featuring in folklore and mythology as trickster figures.
Hyenas and jackals do share some similarities; for instance, both species have complex social structures and exhibit intelligent behaviors. But they differ significantly in their physical characteristics; hyenas are generally bulkier with more powerful jaws designed for crushing bones, while jackals are sleeker and more agile, designed for a wider range of movement.
In summary, while both hyenas and jackals are adept survivors and opportunistic feeders, they differ in family classification, physical characteristics, and feeding habits. Hyenas are larger and built for scavenging with strong jaws, while jackals are smaller, more agile, and more versatile in their diet.
Comparison Chart
Family
Hyaenidae
Canidae
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Diet
Primarily Scavengers
Omnivorous
Physical Build
Bulkier, Strong Jaws
Sleeker, More Agile
Social Structure
Complex
Complex
Cultural Perception
Often Feared
Often Seen as Cunning or Tricky
Compare with Definitions
Hyena
Large mammal known for scavenging.
The hyena is often seen cleaning up remains after lions.
Jackal
Omnivorous diet.
Jackals eat a variety of foods, including small animals and fruits.
Hyena
Member of the Hyaenidae family.
The spotted hyena is one of the most recognized species in the Hyaenidae family.
Jackal
Small mammal part of the Canidae family.
The jackal is closely related to dogs and wolves.
Hyena
Unique vocalizations resembling laughter.
The hyena's vocalizations often sound like eerie laughter.
Jackal
Jackals are medium-sized omnivorous mammals of the subtribe Canina, which also includes wolves and the domestic dog, among other species. While the word "jackal" has historically been used for many small canines, in modern use it most commonly refers to three species: the closely related black-backed jackal and side-striped jackal of sub-Saharan-Africa, and the golden jackal of south-central Europe and Asia.
Hyena
Strong jaw for bone crushing.
The hyena can crush bones with its incredibly strong jaws.
Jackal
A slender long-legged wild dog that feeds on carrion, game, and fruit and often hunts cooperatively, found in Africa and southern Asia.
Hyena
Hyenas, or hyaenas (from Ancient Greek ὕαινα, hýaina), are feliform carnivoran mammals of the family Hyaenidae . With only four extant species (in three genera), it is the fifth-smallest biological family in the Carnivora and one of the smallest in the class Mammalia.
Jackal
Any of several mammals of the genus Canis of Africa, Asia, and southeast Europe, that are chiefly foragers feeding on plants, small animals, and occasionally carrion.
Hyena
A doglike African mammal with forelimbs that are longer than the hindlimbs and an erect mane. Hyenas are noted as scavengers but most are also effective hunters.
Jackal
One who seeks to gain advantage or profit from the difficulties of another.
Hyena
Any of several carnivorous mammals of the family Hyaenidae of Africa and Asia, which feed as scavengers and have powerful jaws, relatively short hind limbs, and coarse hair.
Jackal
One who performs menial tasks for another.
Hyena
Any of the medium-sized to large feliform carnivores of the subfamily Hyaenidae, native to Africa and Asia and noted for the sound similar to laughter which they can make if excited.
Jackal
Any of certain wild canids of the genus Canis, native to the tropical Old World and smaller than a wolf.
Hyena
(Sub-Saharan Africa) A man that performs ritualized sex acts with recently widowed women and menarchal girls.
Jackal
A person who performs menial/routine tasks, a dogsbody.
Hyena
Any carnivorous mammal of the family Hyænidæ, doglike nocturnal mammals of Africa and southern Asia, of which three living species are known. They are large and strong, but cowardly. They feed chiefly on carrion, and are nocturnal in their habits.
Jackal
(derogatory) A person who behaves in an opportunistic way; especially a base collaborator.
Hyena
Doglike nocturnal mammal of Africa and southern Asia that feeds chiefly on carrion
Jackal
A jack (the playing card).
Hyena
Complex social structures.
Hyenas live in clans governed by a strict social hierarchy.
Jackal
(rugby union) a player who steals the ball at the tackle
Jackal
To perform menial or routine tasks
Jackal
Any one of several species of carnivorous animals inhabiting Africa and Asia, related to the dog and wolf. They are cowardly, nocturnal, and gregarious. They feed largely on carrion, and are noted for their piercing and dismal howling.
Jackal
One who does mean work for another's advantage, as jackals were once thought to kill game which lions appropriated.
Jackal
Old World nocturnal canine mammal closely related to the dog; smaller than a wolf; sometimes hunts in a pack but usually singly or as a member of a pair
Jackal
Known for its cunning and adaptability.
The jackal is often seen as a clever trickster in folklore.
Jackal
Common in various environments.
Jackals can be found in deserts, forests, and grasslands.
Jackal
Social animals often living in pairs or small groups.
A pair of jackals often work together to secure food.
Common Curiosities
What family do jackals belong to?
Jackals belong to the Canidae family.
Are hyenas found in packs?
Yes, hyenas often live in clans with complex social structures.
Do hyenas laugh?
Hyenas make vocalizations that resemble laughter but are not actually laughing.
What do jackals eat?
Jackals are omnivorous, eating plants, small animals, and carrion.
Are jackals dangerous to humans?
Generally, jackals avoid humans but can be dangerous if provoked.
What family do hyenas belong to?
Hyenas belong to the Hyaenidae family.
Are hyenas only scavengers?
While primarily scavengers, hyenas can also hunt in packs.
How are jackals perceived culturally?
Jackals are often seen as cunning or tricky in folklore.
How strong is a hyena's jaw?
A hyena's jaw is incredibly strong and can crush bones.
Can hyenas and jackals coexist?
They often share the same habitats and can coexist, although they usually avoid direct competition for food.
Are jackals solitary?
Jackals often live in pairs or small groups.
What are the types of hyenas?
The main types are the spotted hyena, striped hyena, and brown hyena.
Are hyenas related to dogs?
Despite appearances, hyenas are not closely related to dogs.
What are the types of jackals?
The main types are the golden jackal, side-striped jackal, and black-backed jackal.
Where are jackals found?
Jackals inhabit a range of environments, including deserts, forests, and grasslands.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
