ROCK HYRAX BIOLOGY AND HANDBOOK: Ecological specialization of hyraxes within koppie landscapes shaped by microclimates, rock selection, and limited foraging ranges - Couverture souple

J. RAMIREZ, WALTER

Couverture souple

ISBN 13 : 9798184887623

Editeur : Independently published, 2026

Synopsis

Hyraxes: An Evolutionary, Ecological, and Physiological Deep Dive into One of Africa’s Most Remarkable Mammals

This comprehensive work presents an in-depth exploration of hyrax biology, weaving together evolution, anatomy, behavior, ecology, and conservation into a single cohesive narrative. Often overlooked due to their small size, hyraxes reveal an extraordinary evolutionary story that connects them to elephants and manatees through the ancient lineage of Afrotheria. This book uncovers how such an unassuming animal holds one of the most surprising positions in mammalian evolution.

Across carefully structured chapters, the book examines the full biological complexity of hyraxes—from their deep-time fossil history, when giant prehistoric forms once dominated African landscapes, to their highly specialized modern adaptations for survival in rocky, predator-rich environments. Readers are guided through their unique cranial and dental structures, specialized locomotion across cliffs and vertical terrain, and remarkable physiological systems that support survival in harsh, semi-arid climates.

The book also explores hyrax social organization, revealing intricate colony structures, territorial dynamics, and long-term female philopatry that shape multi-generational groups. Their communication system is examined in detail, including complex vocalizations, structured alarm calls, and regional dialect variations that suggest unexpected levels of behavioral sophistication.

Beyond behavior, the text delves into their physiological adaptations, including thermoregulation strategies, digestive fermentation systems, renal efficiency, and reproductive biology. Special attention is given to their unusual sleep architecture, microhabitat dependence, and the ecological role of rocky “koppie” landscapes in shaping every aspect of their existence.

Ecological interactions are also thoroughly analyzed, including predator-prey dynamics, dietary flexibility, parasitological challenges, and their role as reservoir hosts in zoonotic disease cycles involving cutaneous leishmaniasis. The book further addresses human-wildlife interfaces, emphasizing public health implications and the importance of ecological monitoring.

Finally, practical insights into captive care are provided, covering safe handling techniques, enclosure design, and nutritional management strategies essential for maintaining health in managed environments.

Written for students, researchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by hidden biological complexity, this book transforms the hyrax from a seemingly modest mammal into a symbol of evolutionary ingenuity. It offers a rare synthesis of field ecology, comparative anatomy, and conservation science—revealing how even the smallest creatures can embody vast ecological and evolutionary significance.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Independently published
• Date d'édition: 2026
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 13: 9798184887623
• Reliure: Broché
• Nombre de pages: 146
• Coordonnées du fabricant: Manufactured by Amazon on behalf of the author; https://www.amazon.fr/hz/contact-us; ; c/o Amazon Media EU S.à.r.l., 38 Avenue John F. Kennedy; Luxembourg; L-1855; Luxembourg