Benin, formerly known as Dahomey, was a West African kingdom emerging in 1600 to became a regional power. It survived for 3 centuries; 1600 to 1904. France began to take control in the 1850’s and by 1904, had included the former kingdom within its French West Africa colonies. Benin achieved independence in 1960.
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Crucuta crucuta - Hyenas were the dominate animal in the carnivore niche. Their fossil remains have been found in North America, Europe, and Asia. Four species, limited to Africa and Asia, remain in existence today. They range from 1 to 1.4 meters in length and weigh 30 to 80 kilos. Usually dismissed as opportunistic scavengers, hyenas are one of the most adaptable and skillful carnivores. The spotted hyena has the highest population of the larger carnivores in Africa and can be found throughout the regions of sub-Saharan Africa.
