They are vicious animals with eyes that glow in the dark. They attack humans, feed on human flesh and rob graves. The striped hyena is a dangerous animal that humans should kill .
The striped hyena with its frightening laughter has long been associated with superstitions, but these popular myths threaten a fascinating creature with extinction.
Hyenas are carnivorous animals that belong to the Hyaenidae family, which means they are more closely related to cats than dogs. Striped hyenas (Hyaena Hyaena Syriaca) are shy animals, no bigger than shepherd dogs. They do not attack livestock and play an important role in biodiversity and help maintain nature’s ecological balance. Clearly they are not the enemy. But, according to Mounir Rashid Abi Said, whose efforts to raise awareness about this endangered species has received grants from Ford Motor Company last year, the striped hyena is threatened by habitat loss and hunting..
The striped hyena is found throughout Africa and Asia – including Iran, Afghanistan, India, Nepal and the Middle East. Historically in Lebanon, hyenas have been sighted in the coastal hills, Mount Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.
With the spread of urbanisation, their natural habitat has been reduced, leaving them more vulnerable to hunters.
In Lebanon since January 2002, conservationist Mounir Rachid Abi Said, has been working to educate people about these animals, with the ultimate goal of preserving the numbers of striped hyenas in Lebanon.
“The study I am doing in Lebanon aims at understanding the relationship between local people and the striped hyena, which is the largest carnivore in Lebanon. The results of the research project will help find practical solutions to save these animals,” said Mounir.
So far, Mounir has surveyed a sample of 800 people from six different areas in Lebanon where the most hyenas have been killed. Over 64.5 per cent of them believe that hyenas ‘mesmerize’ people with their eyes, and 36.1 per cent believe that the hyena uses supernatural powers to hypnotise people.
Scavenging on dead and infested animals, hyenas prevent the spread of contagious diseases. Their droppings are also a rich fertilizer.
Mounir continues: “The results of my project should direct attention to the importance of hyenas, and the significance of protecting the areas in which they live. In addition to an ecological study, a community awareness initiative is planned, which will include a voluntary workshop where conservation issues for hyenas and other predators will be addressed.”
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Mounir Rachid Abi Said received US$6000 last year as part of the Ford Motor Company Conservation and Environmental Grants programme in the GCC and Levant.
The Grants panel of judges, comprising representatives from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and regional environmental experts, looks for small, non-profit initiatives that are already underway. Projects will be accepted in three categories: natural environment, environmental education and conservation engineering.
Twelve projects were granted funds by Ford Middle East last year. Examples include a project of the Environmental Friends Society in Bahrain, which received the highest grant in 2004 of US$13,000 for developing education centres that will be used at exhibitions and fairs in the Kingdom. The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature in Jordan received a grant of US$10,000 last year to help save the Aphanius Sirhani, a rare and endangered species of fish unique to Jordan.
According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), 15,589 species of animals and plants around the world are threatened with extinction and many ecosystems – wetlands, forests – are being degraded and destroyed. The striped hyena is categorised by IUCN as a near threatened species.
Using the Ford Grant funds, Mounir will continue to play his part in sustaining the world’s astonishing natural wealth. He is currently busy organising conservation and awareness programmes in different villages across Lebanon and introducing people to the Animal Encounter Educational Centre for Wildlife and Conservation in Aley, where they can learn about biodiversity in Lebanon.
“It’s been amazing to discover the dedication of people who, for little or no reward but personal satisfaction, offer their time and effort to the cause of preserving the environment,” commented Andy Acho, worldwide director of Ford’s Environmental Outreach & Strategy.
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Criteria for applying to the Ford Grants remain unchanged. The programme is open to ongoing projects from small-scale, non-profit-making groups and individuals in the GCC and Levant implementing ongoing projects related to the natural environment, environmental education, and conservation engineering.
To apply for funding from the Ford Grants this year, participants are invited to visit the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealerships across the GCC, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan to pick up a brochure and application form. Applicants can also visit the Ford Grants' bilingual website www.ford-environmentalgrants.com to download an application form. Entries will be accepted until October 13.
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Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With nearly 325,000 employees and 110 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Motor Credit Company and Hertz. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.
