Researches on striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena (Linnaeus, 1758)) distributed in Batman province

The family Hyaena is represented by 4 species (Crocuta crocuta, Proteles cristata, Hyaena brunnea, and Hyaena hyaena) on Earth. Only the striped hyena (H. hyaena) is distributed in Turkey. In this study, direct and indirect observation studies were carried out to determine the existence, distribution area, and threats of the striped hyena in Batman province on 2020-2023. Direct and indirect observations were made in regular intervals at 104 locations determined as a result of interviews with hunters, shepherds, and local people living in rural areas, and camera traps were placed at these locations at regular periods during four seasons. As a result of the study, the presence of the striped hyena was determined in 20 different localities of Batman province. The striped hyenas are listed in the Near Threatened (NT) category on a global scale, while they are listed in the Vulnerable (VU) category in the Mediterranean region, according to the IUCN (World Union for Conservation of Nature and Wildlife) whose numbers are declining in our country. In addition, threats to the striped hyenas were determined during the observations, and conservation recommendations were presented.