What the hyena's laugh tells: Sex, age, dominance and individual signature in the giggling call of Crocuta crocuta

Abstract

The range of messages encoded in the hyena's laugh is likely to play a role during social interactions. This call, together with other vocalizations and other sensory channels, should ensure an array of communication signals that support the complex social system of the spotted hyena. Experimental studies are now needed to decipher precisely the communication network of this species.