They do not ruminate. They have a high capacity for concentrating urea and electrolytes and excrete large amounts of CaCO3. Hyraxes have a poor ability to regulate body temperature and a low metabolic rate. Body temperatures are controlled by gregarious huddling, periods of inactivity and activity, and basking in the sun. Their physiology allows them to live in areas with poor food quality and quantity, but they depend on shelter that provides constant conditions.
Social organization varies with relation to living space.
Rock and bush hyraxes live in cohesive and stable family groups consisting of 3-7 related adult females, one adult male. The family disperses young of both sexes into neighboring areas. Females become receptive once a year and births seem to be related to coincide with rainfall. Between 1 and 4 young are birthed by each female. Weaning occurs at 1-5 months and both sexes reach sexual maturity at 16 months.