Reproduction in the spotted hyaena crocuta crocuta (Erxleben)

Abstract

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.