Though related to elephants and manatees, hyraxes are surprisingly small creatures with miniature fang-like tusks. Despite this modest size, they are surprisingly vocal. They use a series of wails, grunts, and shrieks in complex love songs, that can last for around 20 distinct bouts, of different calls. [1]

Male hyraxes that produce longer, more ornate songs, have more reproductive success. [2] The longer the songs, the more attractive they are. Over time, this evolved a heightened vocal capacity for these small creatures.

Hyrax pups, however, do not vocalize with the range of their fathers. Instead, they only let out yelps of “WAWA” or “MAMA” when they feel anxious. But what do these cries mean? Why do hyraxes shout “Mama?”

It’s exactly what it sounds like! When hyrax pups shout “mama,” they are calling for their mothers. Female hyraxes, particularly the dominant members of their groups, rush to the sounds of their pups shouting “MAMA”. [3]

So why are the hyraxes I’ve been watching so vocal?

Hyraxes are highly intelligent and social creatures. They live in large social groups, and form strong bonds with each other, and in some cases, with us! Many people take care of these animals in zoos, hyrax sanctuaries, or sometimes as house-pets. They enjoy tea with us, sing songs to each other, and are generally full of surprises. But as prey animals, it takes hyraxes a little more time to acclimate to these new environments. Especially compared to domesticated predators like cats and dogs.

Hyraxes are hardwired to call out to their family at the slightest sense of danger. They have whiskers distributed along their whole body to sense slight changes in air pressure [4], and eyes adapted to spot predators in the glare of the sunlight. In new environments, hyrax pups are quick to let out a “MAMA” at the first sight of danger, even when that danger is just a camera. After all, it could be a wild animal coming for their pack, and its vitally important that they let the rest of their group know.

Most of these videos are filmed when introducing new hyraxes to their aforementioned hyrax sanctuaries. The hyrax pups you see are adapting to their new homes, and are a little more excitable than their older siblings. Over time, they learn to trust their caretakers. In the featured video above, the hyrax’s “MAMA” cry is already evolving into the early stages of his own song. He, like many other hyraxes, are eventually seen in other viral videos, drinking tea, or hanging out in cars. Some even hide behind their humans for safety. Thus highlighting their adaptability and social nature once they feel more secure.