The man who lives with hyenas

YemenExtra

Spotted hyenas are the second largest land predator in Africa (after lions). They are feared for their raids on towns where they have been known to kill small children.

However, the inhabitants of Harar, Ethiopia have invited wild hyenas into their community, believing they consume evil spirits with each cackle.

Every night for the last 400 years, two hyena clans have entered the streets of Harar and fought for dominance. The winners gain access to the bones left on the streets by the city’s butchers.

One Harar resident, Yusef, has a close relationship with the hyenas. He calls them into his house and feeds them by hand.

Cities are the fastest growing habitat on Earth but for many animals life in the manmade world is not easy.

Some are surprisingly successful. Leopards prowl the streets of Mumbai, peregrine falcons hunt amongst New York’s skyscrapers, and 5 million starlings perform spectacular aerial dances over Rome.

Mumbai is home to the highest concentration of leopards anywhere in the world. They capitalise on hunting the animals that man brings into the city (Credit: BBC 2016)

Murmuration of starlings over Rome (Credit: BBC 2016)

Female raccoon living in downtown Toronto (Credit: BBC 2016)

Macaques in Jaipur will take any food or drink they can get their hands on (Credit: BBC 2016)

Situated in the heart of Singapore this Supertree Grove encapsulates a futuristic approach at greening the city (Credit: Tom Hugh-Jones Copyright BBC NHU 2016)

A male great bower bird in Townsville, Australia. To attract a female he decorates his bower with objects in colours that contrast his plumage (Credit: Fredi Devas / BBC NHU 2016)

Using these photographs from the series as your inspiration, we want to see your shots of Earth’s urban wildlife.

Interpret the challenge however you want. Show us your skills, experiences and celebrate life on our incredible planet. It’s up to you.

Send them to us here (and don’t forget to add your name and a caption to your upload) or download the Earth Capture app for Apple and Android. Don’t forget to add your name and a caption to your upload.