Pune: Striped Hyena Spotted on Forest Trap Camera in Maval on World Hyena Day, Signals Rich Biodiversity

Maval, 27th April 22026: On the occasion of World Hyena Day, forest officials in Maval reported a significant wildlife sighting after a striped hyena was captured on a trap camera installed in the Vadgaon Maval forest range.

The animal was spotted near a waterhole created by the Forest Department as part of summer measures to support wildlife facing shrinking natural water sources.

Officials said several artificial waterholes have been developed across forest areas as rising temperatures dry up streams and other natural sources. Trap cameras were installed at these locations to monitor animal movement and study which species are visiting the water points.

During one such monitoring exercise, the striped hyena was recorded approaching the waterhole at night to drink water. While locals and forest staff had earlier spoken about the possible presence of hyenas in the region, the latest footage has now confirmed the species’ presence in the area.

The striped hyena is a nocturnal animal and plays an important ecological role by feeding on carcasses, helping maintain environmental balance as a natural scavenger.

Wildlife experts note that growing urbanisation and expanding highway networks have increasingly threatened the habitat of such species. In that context, the sighting of a hyena in the Maval forest belt is being seen as a positive sign of biodiversity in the region.

A forest range officer from Vadgaon Maval said special arrangements had been made during summer to ensure water availability for wild animals and that trap cameras were helping officials track their safety and movement.

“The sighting of a hyena on World Hyena Day itself is a proud moment for our team and for nature lovers,” the officer said.