Dhaka, June 4 -- A fascinating ecological study has revealed that hyenas are playing an unexpected role in urban waste management in the Ethiopian city of Mekelle, where they help process nearly 5,000 tonnes of organic waste every year.

The study, led by wildlife ecology expert Gidey Yirga, found that hyenas and other scavengers significantly reduce the city's waste burden, contributing to cleaner surroundings and potentially lowering public health risks.

According to the research, spotted hyenas account for about 90 percent of this natural waste-processing activity, consuming discarded organic material that would otherwise accumulate in urban areas.

Dr Yirga told CNN that this system benefits both humans and animals, noting that scave...