Female hyenas have male-like external genitalia

the verdict

SUPPORTED

the evidence backs this

Recorded sources

3 sources for · 0 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Is it true that female hyenas have male-like external genitalia?

Yes. Female spotted hyenas are well-documented to possess male-like external genitalia, specifically a pendulous, penis-like clitoris through which they copulate and give birth.

Verdict: SUPPORTED · 3 sources for, 0 against · Last checked 4 Aug 2026

The analysis

The retrieved papers thoroughly document the anatomy and development of the spotted hyena, confirming that females possess heavily masculinized external genitalia resembling a male penis. No papers contest this well-established biological fact.

Evidence for · 3

Hormonal correlates of 'masculinization' in female spotted hyaenas ( <i>Crocuta crocuta</i> ). 1. Infancy to sexual maturity

1992

This study discusses the hormonal correlates and structural development associated with the highly masculinized female spotted hyena external genitalia.

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Glickman, S. E., Frank, L. G., Pavgi, S., & Licht, P. (1992). Hormonal correlates of 'masculinization' in female spotted hyaenas (
                    <i>Crocuta crocuta</i>
                    ). 1. Infancy to sexual maturity. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1530/jrf.0.0950451

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More for · 2

Development of the External Genitalia: Perspectives from the Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta)

2014

This review highlights that the female spotted hyena possesses a pendulous, penis-like clitoris through which it mates and gives birth.

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Cunha, G., Risbridger, G., Wang, H., Place, N., Grumbach, M., Cunha, T. J., Weldele, M. L., Conley, A., Barcellos, D., Agarwal, S., Bhargava, A., Drea, C., Hammond, G., Siiteri, P., Coscia, E. M., Mcphaul, M., Baskin, L., & Glickman, S. (2014). Development of the External Genitalia: Perspectives from the Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta). doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diff.2013.12.003

Sex Differences in Spotted Hyenas.

2022

This review confirms the remarkable virilization of the female spotted hyena's external morphology, which closely mimics male anatomy.

Get citation

SK, M., KE, H., L, S., ML, W., SE, G., & NJ, P. (2022). Sex Differences in Spotted Hyenas.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1101/cshperspect.a039180

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What does the evidence say?

Receipt History

first checked04 Aug 2026

judged → SUPPORTED · 8704 Aug 2026

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