Bone crushers: Hyenas have powerful jaws and specialized teeth that allow them to crush bones, extract marrow, and utilize nutrients that other animals cannot access. This unique ability enables them to obtain essential minerals and nutrients from carcasses that other scavengers may leave behind.
Nitrogen recycling: Through their efficient digestive systems, hyenas contribute to nitrogen recycling in the ecosystem. Nitrogen is a fundamental element for plant growth, and by breaking down organic matter and releasing nitrogen in their feces, hyenas fertilize the soil, indirectly supporting plant growth and productivity.
Population control: As opportunistic predators, hyenas sometimes hunt live prey, particularly when scavenging opportunities are limited. They actively hunt and kill weak, sick, or old individuals in herbivore populations, which can have indirect positive effects on prey species' overall health and longevity. By removing the vulnerable members, hyenas contribute to natural selection and potentially enhance the survival and fitness of the surviving herbivores.
It's worth noting that while hyenas have a reputation as scavengers, they can also hunt actively when necessary, demonstrating adaptability and a diverse diet. Their nutritional role extends beyond scavenging and includes bone utilization, nutrient cycling, population regulation, and even seed dispersal through their scat.