Because the brown hyena (Hyaena brunnea) is endangered and has a poor status in captivity, a survey was conducted to summarize present knowledge of the biology and conservation of the species. Distributional data are scanty and controversial; current and former ranges are described. Generally, the brown hyena occurs in arid habitats of southern Africa. The diet is rather broad; the niche is that of a solitary predator-scavenger adapted to predation on smaller to medium-sized mammals. The ability of the brown hyena to capture larger ungulates is uncertain; however, the image of a predator on large ungulates, created by carcass compilation from Kruger Park is dubious. Relationships with dominant and subordinate predators are discussed. Lions and especially spotted hyenas in groups may exert considerable impact on the ecological status of the brown hyena. Apparently, only the mother tends the offspring. Brown hyenas are not truly social. The mating system may be either monogamous or polygynous, definitely not polyandrous. The species is primarily nocturnal and expends much time and energy in searching for food, much less in pursuing it. Home ranges are relatively large; spacing may be territorial, achieved by scent-marking, possibly by vocalization. The brown hyena is endangered although some populations may be healthy and stable in larger preserve systems, e.g., adjoining parks of South Africa-Botswana. There is no longer commercial exploitation for hides but predator control measures pose a serous threat.