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Hyracoidea

Hyracoidea. Order: Hyracoidea. All living species in one family ( Procaviidae ) 4 living species Southern Tree Hyrax , Dendrohyrax arboreus Western Tree Hyrax,  Dendrohyrax dorsalis Yellow-spotted Rock Hyrax,  Heterohyrax brucei Rock Hyrax,  Procavia capensis. Order: Hyracoidea.

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Hyracoidea

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  1. Hyracoidea

  2. Order: Hyracoidea • All living species in one family (Procaviidae) • 4 living species • Southern Tree Hyrax,Dendrohyraxarboreus • Western Tree Hyrax, Dendrohyraxdorsalis • Yellow-spotted Rock Hyrax, Heterohyraxbrucei • Rock Hyrax, Procaviacapensis

  3. Order: Hyracoidea • Historically found throughout Africa, the Middle-East, and Asia • Now found only in Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of the Middle-East.

  4. Life History • Hyrax range in size from 30-50 cm long and weigh between 2-5 kg. • Females give birth to 2-3 young with a 6-7 month gestation period. • Young are well developed with open eyes and full pelage and can ingest solid food within 2 weeks. • Adults reach full size within 3 years and live to about 10 years of age.

  5. Life History cont. • Unlike ungulates Hyrax do not chew cud to extract nutrients from forage. • A complex multi-chambered stomach allows symbiotic bacteria to further break down coarse vegetation much like that of ungulates. • Sweat glands on the bottom of a rubbery foot pad providing extra grip when traversing steep slopes

  6. Life History cont. • To avoid water loss Hyrax live in rock outcroppings and other small openings (Except Southern Tree Hyrax) • Living corridors are usually just as tall as an adult male and the opening is smaller than the local predator. • They rarely dig their own burrows.

  7. Evolution • Only 4 remaining species of a once widely spread diverse group of mammals. • First time seen in the fossil record begin 40 mya (Early Eocene). • Primary terrestrial herbivore in Africa until displaced by more efficient bovids. • Species ranged from the size of a small horse to the size of a mouse.

  8. Evolution cont. • Descendants of ancient hyracoids evolved in several different ways. • Some became smaller and are now the modern hyrax • Other are thought to have took to water. • These are the ancestors of the modern elephant.

  9. The closest relative to the Elephant? Genetic and physiological evidence has been found linking these species • Similar traits: • Toenails • Small tusks • Sensitive feet pads • High brain function compared to other small mammals

  10. Social Behavior • Hyrax live in herds of up to 80 individuals. • These herds are subdivided into flocks of 3-15 adults. • Adults make up to 21 vocal calls or “songs”. • A high trill is used as a warning call that is sound by the sentry that is always posted during feeding. • A chewing motion is also used as a display of aggression that lead early taxonomist to make it for chewing cud.

  11. Social Behavior cont. • Unique to the Hyrax is the Dorsal gland which excretes a powerful odor used in territory defense and social encounters.

  12. Thermoregulation • Hyrax experience diurnal temperature fluctuation. • The body temperature is highest around 9 am, declines around midday, rises through midday, then drops at night. • This is to prevent water loss by reducing evaporative cooling. • Huddling is used as a mean of heat retention. • Increased respiration, licking of fur, grooming and panting are all used in thermoregulation.

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