94. Striped Hyena, Hyaena hyaena (Linnaeus, 1758)

(IUCN Red List: NT)

Subspecies: H. h. syriaca Matschie, 1900 .

Distribution: Widespread but uncommon; individuals are wide-ranging in almost all habitats across the country but in low numbers. Syrian populations have possibly decreased due to heavy persecution (e.g., by nomads as documented by G. Serra and MS Abdallah (2000–2010, unpublished report) and Serra (2002) (Fig. 103).

Previous records: Aleppo (Russell 1756), as-Sukhnah (Maydon 1930), Al-Qaryatein (Lewis et al. 1968), between Deir ez-Zor and Al-Qamishli, ar-Raqqa (Kumerloeve 1975), widely distribution (Harrison & Bates 1991), around Palmyra (Serra et al. 2009a, b), vicinity of Palmyra, vicinity of Latakia, Slenfe mountains (Serra 2004), vicinity of Deir ez-Zor (Masseti 2009), and Al-Badia around Deir ez-Zor (Aidek 2010; Murdoch & Aidek 2012).

Recent records: Qal’at Jandal (1994), Jabal Al-Bishri (2006–2012), vicinity of Maskana (2007), vicinity of Salamiyah, west of Deir Sawwan (2008), east of az-Zelif (2011), Ash Shaqraniya, Bisin, Shahba, vicinity of Homs, east of Idleb, vicinity of Seidnaya, Smeid, Sreijes Al-Qeniah, Al-Areimah and Halbon (2020–2023).