The much-feared hyenas take over the streets of Ethiopia to clean them, doing it much better than several waste systems

Por Maried Díaz
1 June, 2026

While many cities spend large sums to manage their waste, in Ethiopia hyenas have become unexpected allies of urban cleanliness.

University of Sheffield’s

Every night, these animals roam the streets in search of organic remains. Far from causing problems, they help eliminate waste that would otherwise accumulate in landfills.

Marcus Baynes-Rock

A study revealed that hyenas, vultures, and stray dogs process nearly 5,000 tons of organic waste per year, generating savings of 100,000 dollars. Feared for generations, these predators are now showing that they can also be efficient garbage collectors.

Luke Massey/Nature PL

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