Erode: A rare striped-hyena, which was found severely injured in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR), is being treated at the forest veterinary unit in Erode district.

According to forest sources, eight-year-old male hyena was found by field staff of STR near Sigil Kuttai in the Bhavanisagar range of the reserve two days ago.

Based on the direction of STR Field Director Anwaruddhin, the animal with injury on its head was taken to the veterinary unit.

Surgeon Dr K Asokan said that this is the first time a hyena was being treated at the unit. The animal was unconscious after suffering a severe head injury and maggots had formed around the ear and the head.

The animal has its front canine teeth missing, an indication of its advanced age which might have stood in its way to hunt, he added.

The animal was under special care and was being provided chicken and cereals.

“Since the front canines of the animal are missing and it cannot survive on its own in the wild, special care would have to be taken for the rest of its life,” the surgeon added.

Striped hyenas come under Schedule One of the Wildlife Protection Act and are rare and thought to sight. But the spotted ones, found in the African continent, live in packs. The striped one lives in a group of two in the forests of India.