Spotted Hyena Documented in Egypt for First Time in 5,000 Years

The predator's rare appearance highlights shifting climate patterns and raises questions about human-wildlife conflict in the region.

A lone spotted hyena was killed in southeastern Egypt’s Elba Protected Area in February 2024 after preying on local livestock.
This marks the first confirmed sighting of the species in Egypt since it disappeared from the region 5,000 years ago.
Researchers attribute the hyena’s northward journey to increased rainfall and vegetation growth, creating a potential migration corridor from Sudan.
Satellite data revealed significant environmental changes over the past five years, including higher plant growth in the corridor area.
The sighting underscores the impact of climate change on wildlife migration but also highlights challenges posed by human-wildlife conflict in the area.