Our effort to apply a method called “citizen science “ which means to involve the local communities payed off ! 

We were guided to this new den-site.
Even at our first view we knew this is a communal den-site with 5 dens in total. The test night already showed 5 hyena with 3 adults, 1 subadult, and 1 cub. 

The day after we roomed around during daylight and found 2 additional dens just 50 meters away. 
Good that our new cameras we`ve purchased from Browning, which is our second brand of trial cameras, have a black-flash. 
Let us introduce our Mikocheni Clan-Members that we will monitor long-term without disturbance due to any visible flash.  

  
MIKD-#1 Looks to be one of the oldest hyenas in the clan, they’re easily identifiable from the abscess on her leg and a snare around the neck. 

MIKD-#2 This individual was very interested in our camera traps, but luckily due to our steel case was not able to cause any damage! 

MIKD-#3 From the behaviour shown in camera trap footage, this seems to be a low-ranking individual. 

MIKD-#4 Is the mother of the youngest cub MIKD-#7, We confirmed this from videos showing the cub suckle from her. 

MIKD-#5 As hyenas grow older their spot pattern can start to fade, which may be why this hyena spot pattern seems pale 

MIKD-#6 Is a Juvinelle, between 9-12 months old. Known for their curiosity, they took a most interest in the camera traps. ​ 

MIKD-#7 The youngest member of the Mikocheni clan and cub of MIKD-#4. From these pictures the cub is about 5 months old.