The brown hyaena (Parahyaena brunnea) is a scavenger inhabiting arid areas, deserts, and savannas of southern Africa. It typically lives in clans of 4–6 individuals and ranges widely, traveling long distances daily. With a keen sense of smell it can detect carcasses several kilometers away and primarily feeds on carrion, but it also preys on small mammals, birds, and insects. Individuals and clans communicate information by scent marking, including with anal glands. Breeding mainly occurs from May to August, gestation is about 100 days, and multiple young are born. Populations have declined due to persecution, trapping, and hunting by humans, and the species is listed as Near Threatened.