Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert Sapolsky mentions how stress is simply transient in a Zebra since all the Zebra has to do at that point of time is to eat and escape the lion!
If the lion has recently fed; the Zebra does not even have to run!
That is not a laughing matter! But then you get to know about those creatures who are the scavengers who can even eat the most rotten food and LAUGH about it!
In the movie, the Gods Must be Crazy it has been shown how Hyenas would not attack any other animal who is bigger that it! But it is known for amazing attacking techniques!
Many hyenas would spend hours tracking and trying to get a meal! Then after a sleepless night or day when they do get the kill, it has been seen that some lazy lion would simply follow or take the kill made by the hyenas!
That is when you get the laugh of the hyena!
It is in fact a cry of anguish and anger!
So it is seen that Hyenas “laugh” not out of joy, but as a complex form of communication to express stress, frustration, or excitement.
Typically made by subordinate clan members during intense feeding frenzies, the giggles signal submission, nervousness, or competition over food.
It has also been seen that a hyena’s giggle serves several specific functions in their highly complex, matriarchal clans!
One is to show the social hierarchy where subordinate hyenas laugh when they are being chased or pushed away by a higher-ranking animal, signaling deference and backing down to prevent a physical fight.
They also produce this sound during the chaos of a kill. It expresses the frustration of trying to get a bite of food while being nipped at or pushed away by other clan members!
It has also been seen that each hyena’s laugh is slightly unique. The pitch and speed of the laugh help clan members identify who is calling, as well as their age and social rank!
So when you hear a Hyena ‘Laugh’ it is actually a CRY!
Then again, do run away! Keep your Humanity for humans!
Then again you know how there may be many Hyenas but there is only one lion!
Like the lion Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj!
Big salute to the brave king …
Shubh ratri…
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