Egyptian Hyena Sighting: First in 5,000 Years, Then Killed
A spotted hyena, a species absent from Egypt for 5,000 years, was recently found and killed in southeastern Egypt, approximately 310 miles north of its known range in Sudan. Researchers attribute this unprecedented migration to an intensified, decade-long weather pattern—the Active Red Sea Trough—which increased rainfall, vegetation, and subsequently, prey along a newly formed migration corridor. Analysis supports this hypothesis, revealing increased plant growth in the region over the past five years. This discovery challenges established understanding of spotted hyena ranges and underscores the impact of climate change on animal migration patterns.
John Q. Hosedrinker