In areas where cattle and stock have replaced game, the spotted hyaena is subject to rigorous control and has therefore disappeared from many parts of its historical range.
The spotted hyaena is widely distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa, but does not occur in desert or forest. It is a savanna species, favouring open plains, and is dependent on a plentiful supply of food and drinking water.
Crocuta crocuta is considered by the IUCN as "Lower Risk" sub-category "conservation dependent".