The reproductive biology of spotted hyaenas was studied
from a sample of 39 females and 36 males collected in
game reserves in south~rn Africa. A method for age
estimation, based on the relative attrition of PM2 was
developed. Female spotted hyaenas attain sexual maturity
at three years of age, are polyoestrus with recurring oestrous cycles throughout the lactation period. Females
were still reproducing when 16 years old. Breeding was
not restricted to a particular season, as births occurred
throughout the year and sexually active males were present
in all four seasons.
Androgens were produced in significant amounts by the ovary
and adrenal, with the ovary capable of a greater secretory
response during acute stimulation, than the testis. The
foetal ovary was the site of androgen production in the
female foetus with the resulting masculinization of the
female external genitalia. Reproductive status of female
hyaenas could be predicted from the plasma levels of the
sex steroids.
'n Monster van 39 wyfies en 36 mannetjies verkry vanuit
wildtuine in Suidelike-Afrika, is gebruik in 'n studie
op die voortplantingsbiologie van gevlekte hienas. 'n
Metode vir ouderdomskatting is ontwikkel op grond van die
mate van slytasie van PM2. Wyfie-hienas word geslagsryp
op drie jaar, en is poli-estries met opeenvolgende oestrus=
siklusse tydens die duur van die laktasieperiode. Wyfies
kon steeds teel op 'n ouderdom van minstens 16 jaar.
Vrugbare mannetjies en geboortes het regdeur die jaar
voorgekom, en teling was nie beperk tot 'n bepaalde
seisoen nie.
Androgene hormone is in aansienlike hoeveelhede deur die
ovarium en bynier geproduseer, en die sekretoriese kapasi=
teit tydens akute stimulering was groter in die ovarium
as in die testis. Die eksterne genitaliee van wyfiefoetusse
vermanlik as gevolg van androgene hormone gepro=
duseer deur die foetale ovarium. Plasmakonsentrasies van
geslagsteroYedes was 'n aanduiding van voortplantingstatus
van volwasse wyfies.
