The spotted hyena is generally found widespread across Sub-Saharan Africa and is classified as a scavenger, with its habitat having other predatory competitors like the lion, cheetahs, leopards, African wild dogs and jackals among others. With the debate of capitalising on the spotted hyena gonads for human consumption, the current recognition of the spotted hyena population as near threatened mostly due to degradation of savanna and range lands, commercialisation without an absolute strategy on sustainability will add it to the list of endangered species. Of great concern is the least focused area of the role played by the spotted hyena in the pathogenesis of mostly bacterial and viral infections within their ecosystems. It, therefore, justifies a comprehensive study of not just the spotted and striped hyena, but also hundreds of other scavengers targeted for exploitation through commercialisation. [Dr Njenga Simon Project Veterinary Officer Kenya Network for Dissemination of Agricultural Technologies (KENDAT)]Want to get latest farming tips and videos?

Source: Standard Digital July 15, 2022 20:01 UTC