Researchers studied the status and health of spotted hyenas in Kenya . The study found that there are more than 1,000 species of hyena, but only about 100 live on this continent. These alpha females were also found to have more offspring . Discovery was made by analysing the lengths of telomeres . These caps at the end of each strand of DNA are regarded as important signs of ageing and stress in many species , including humans . High-ranking hyenas had longer telomeres than their peers .
Researchers studied the status and health of spotted hyenas in Kenya . They found high-ranking members of groups live longer and are healthier . These alpha females were also found to have more offspring . Discovery was made by analysing the lengths of telomeres . These caps at the end of each strand of DNA are regarded as important signs of ageing and stress in many species , including humans . High-ranking hyenas had longer telomeres than their peers .