HYJENINA, a sub-family of the Felidm, digiti grade carnivorous maminalia, distinguished by having their fore legs longer than their hind legs, by their rough tongue, great and conical molar, or rather cutting-and-crushing, teeth, projecting eyes, large ears, and a deep and glandular pouch beneath the anus. In general form, hymnas resemble dogs more than cats ; and Linnmus classed them with the former, to which they appear united by the Lycaon pictus of S. Africa. There is one species in India, Hymna striata, Zimmer., H. vulgaris, Demarest.
Naukra-bagh, BENG. I Taras ; Hundar, . HIND.
Har-vagh, . . . Lakhar-baghar, . Kirba ; Kat-kirba, CAN. I Lakar-bag'h, . . Korna-gandu, . . Lakra-bag'h, . Rera. of CENTRAL INDIA. Jhirak of . HURRIANA.
The striped hyaena is of a pale, yellowish-grey colour, with transverse tawny stripes, neck and back maned, and ordinary length is 3 feet 6 inches to root of tail ; tail 17 inches. It prefers open country, and generally digs a hole for its den on the side of a hill or mountain, or lurks amongst ruins. It is quite a nocturnal animal, sallying
forth after dark and hunting for carcases, the bones of which it gnaws, occasionally catching some prowling dog or stray sheep. It generally returns to its den before sunrise. Its call is very unpleasant, almost unearthly. The young are easily tamed, and show much attachment to their keepers or masters, uttering sounds not unlike human laughter.
The spotted hymna (H. crocuta) and the brown hymna, which is a third species of the genus, are restricted to Africa. Their jaws are enormously strong, and when they bite they hold on obsti nately, and can with difficulty be made to let go their hold. The voice of the spotted hymna when excited resembles a laugh, whence it is commonly known as the laughing hymna. The hymna and lion are eaten by the Arabs.Jerdon's Mammals.