Extinction

In Syria, the striped hyena is being killed not simply because of any demonstrated threat to humans, but because of decades of myths, superstition, and fear that have shaped public perceptions of the animal. Over several months of reporting, our investigative team documented 13 incidents in which striped hyenas were killed across different parts of Syria. The investigation reveals how deeply rooted beliefs about child abduction, witchcraft, and sorcery intersect with hunting, trafficking in animal parts, and weak legal protections.