PERSONALITY DIMENSIONS IN SPOTTED HYENAS (CROCUTA-CROCUTA)

Personality ratings of 34 spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) were made b y 4 observers who knew the animals well. Analyses suggest that (a) hye na personality traits were rated with generally high reliability; (b) 5 broad dimensions (Assertiveness, Excitability, Human-Directed Agreea bleness, Sociability, and Curiosity) captured about 75% of the total v ariance; (c) this dimensional structure could not be explained in term s of dominance status, sex, age, or appearance; and (d) as expected, f emale hyenas were more assertive than male hyenas. Comparisons with pr evious research provide evidence for the cross-species generality of E xcitability, Sociability, and especially Assertiveness. Discussion foc uses on methodological issues in research on animal personality and on the potential contributions this research can make for understanding the biological and environmental bases of personality.