When most countries select a national animal, they choose creatures associated with power or elegance — lions, eagles, or stallions. Lebanon’s national animal, the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), stands apart. Often misunderstood and rarely seen, this nocturnal scavenger may seem an unusual choice, yet it reflects the country’s landscape, history, and enduring character.
Levantine Survivor
The striped hyena is native to the Middle East, North and East Africa, and parts of Asia, and has inhabited the Levant for thousands of years. Medium-sized and identifiable by its striped coat and erect mane, it thrives in rocky hills, scrublands, and semi-arid regions — habitats common across Lebanon. Today, the species is listed as ‘Near Threatened,’ largely due to habitat loss and human persecution.
Ecological Importance
Primarily a scavenger, the striped hyena feeds on carrion, small animals, insects, and fruit. Its powerful jaws allow it to consume bones and tough remains, helping prevent the spread of disease and returning nutrients to the ecosystem. Though solitary by nature, its role is essential, making it one of the region’s most important natural recyclers.
Folklore and Cultural Memory
For centuries, the striped hyena has featured in Levantine folklore and rural storytelling. Ancient references from the region describe animals believed to be hyenas, while later village myths portrayed them as mysterious or even supernatural beings, inspired by their night calls and rare appearances.
Choosing the Striped Hyena
Lebanon’s adoption of the striped hyena as its national animal emphasizes authenticity over spectacle. Rather than selecting an idealized symbol, the country chose a native species rooted in its environment. The hyena’s ability to adapt, endure scarcity, and survive alongside human settlements mirrors Lebanon’s own history of resilience amid political, social, and environmental challenges. Its national status also draws attention to conservation efforts aimed at protecting one of the country’s last large wild mammals — who now only number in the few hundreds.
A Symbol That Endures
The striped hyena is not a symbol of dominance or grandeur, but of survival and balance. In embracing this animal, Lebanon highlights a form of strength defined not by force, but by persistence — a feature aligned with the nation’s past and present, and with the land it calls home.
