The Hyena Scientist

April 15, 2018
A practiced and proficient team returns to the African plains to visit a field camp in Masai Mara, Kenya, where zoologist Kay Holekamp has been studying spotted hyenas for 30 years.This surprisingly engaging title introduces a species whose bad reputation is nearly universal. Holekamp disagrees. Her study of eight generations of hyenas has revealed the spotted hyena to be "an unexpectedly brave, smart, and extremely social species" as well as the "most formidable carnivore in Africa." During their 10-day visit, Montgomery and Bishop go with the researchers for morning and evening observations, watch one sedate a young male with a dart gun so all can take measurements and specimens, see a skirmish in a war between rival factions of the large Talek West hyena clan, and, during a downpour, when flood threatens, help evacuate precious specimens and equipment. Montgomery's graceful prose draws readers into the experience with clear explanations and vivid description. Bishop's striking photographs show off the doglike hyenas' furry cuteness. He includes close-ups of cubs at play and rest, researchers at work, and adult hyenas interacting with one another, as well as tent scenes, other wildlife, and the always-impressive scenery. Readers may be inspired by the stories of the white scientist's diverse team of assistants: a retired medical social worker, U.S. graduate students, and a young Kenyan who hopes to study in the U.S.An appealing, elegantly designed introduction to another much-maligned species. (fast facts, bibliography, acknowledgements, index) (Nonfiction. 10-15)

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May 21, 2018
The hyena has a less-than-stellar reputation—something that Montgomery aims to remedy in the newest addition to the Scientists in the Field series. Readers join zoologist Kay Holekamp as she tracks and studies spotted hyenas in Kenya along with a multigenerational team of biologists. The narrative unfolds with all the intrigue of a detective story; as the team radio tracks hyenas in land cruisers, Montgomery recounts their observations as if they are unfolding in the moment: “Kay recognizes this hyena immediately from his spot pattern. It’s Decimeter’s younger brother, year-old Kilometer.” Montgomery shares her own riveting experiences as part of the team, including helping to dart and collect samples from a hyena: “I realize with alarm that a hyena is waking up in my lap,” she recalls. Photo-filled and perceptive, the narrative provides a window into the lives of these fascinating animals, as well as the individuals who devote themselves to their study. Ages 10–12.

Starred review from May 15, 2018
Grades 5-7 *Starred Review* Has there ever been a creature more maligned than the hyena? From folklore to Disney, hyenas are often reduced to a cackling, scavenging villain, digging up corpses and stealing from mightier predators. But how much of this reputation is fairly earned? According to zoologist Kay Holekamp, very little. This latest installment in the acclaimed Scientists in the Field series, penned by National Book Award finalist Montgomery, heads to Kenya's Masai Mara reserve, where Kay has studied the spotted hyena for three decades. Hyenas are unusual among mammals in that they're entirely led by females; appropriate, then, that Kay has led groundbreaking zoological research in a field dominated by men. Her findings are changing not just public opinion about hyenas (they're affectionate, social animals and accomplished hunters?lions steal from them more than the other way around) but also the way hyenas are viewed by scientists. From their physiology to their social structure, hyenas break a lot of scientific rules, and scientists can glean a lot by studying them. Montgomery covers hyena behavior, fieldwork processes, and daily life in the African bush, but she also profiles Kay and her research team, all of whom have their own reasons for being interested in hyenas. Similarly, Nic Bishop's photos capture the research base, Kenyan fauna, and, of course, the hyenas themselves. A fascinating, informative, and inclusive window into a feared and misunderstood species.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)