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THREATS AND TRADITIONS: CITIZEN SCIENCE INSIGHTS INTO STRIPED HYENA (Hyaena hyaena) CONSERVATION IN SAUDI ARABIA

Authors: Abdulaziz Mohammed Alamri, Abdulaziz R. Alqahtani, Albatul Alharbi and Ehab Eid

Received February 19, 2025

Accepted for publication March 30, 2025

Published June 30, 2025. Volume 3:1 Pages 166—179

Checked for plagiarism Yes

Peer reviewer comments 2

Correspondence: Abdulazizmh.107@gmail.com

Abstract

The striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in Saudi Arabia faces mounting threats from habitat degradation, wildlife-vehicle collisions, retaliatory killings, and entrenched cultural stigmas. This study examined public perceptions, traditional beliefs, and conservation attitudes toward the species in Al Qawba, Bisha Province, a region of ecological significance in the Asir Region. Using a cross-sectional mixed-methods approach, data were gathered through qualitative interviews and a structured questionnaire completed by 151 participants from diverse social backgrounds, including Bedouins, farmers, and urban residents. Fieldwork also documented a recent hyena road fatality. Results revealed widespread awareness of hyenas, yet dominant perceptions were largely negative, often associating the animals with personal danger or livestock loss. Despite this, most acknowledged the species' ecological role as scavengers and recyclers of nutrients. Cultural narratives were universally cited, portraying hyenas as supernatural beings or sources of traditional medicine, contributing to poaching and retaliatory killings. Major threats identified included habitat destruction, overhunting, and road infrastructure, reflecting global patterns of carnivore-human conflict amid habitat fragmentation. Encouragingly, most respondents were aware of conservation programs and supported community-led efforts. Preferred interventions included public education, local engagement, and the establishment of protected areas. Regression analysis indicated that higher education and professional background significantly predicted conservation support. This study underscores the urgency of a culturally informed conservation strategy for striped hyenas in Saudi Arabia. Key recommendations include countering harmful myths through targeted outreach, reinforcing anti-poaching laws, restoring degraded habitats, and introducing road mitigation infrastructure to reduce mortality.

KEYWORDS: Human-wildlife conflict; cultural beliefs; community conservation; Asir region; Hyaena hyaena