Concerns over the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) have highlighted gaps in population data and conservation planning in India. The species is Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, with an estimated 5,000-14,000 animals worldwide and about 1,000-3,000 in India, which has no official census. A scavenger feeding on carrion, it helps reduce disease risk from carcasses. Though it enjoys the highest protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, India has no unified national action plan for it. Tamil Nadu has set aside ₹14 lakh for its conservation.