📷 Giles Laurent · CC BY-SA 4.0
📷 Hans Hillewaert
📷 Giles Laurent
IUCN: Least Concern
Rock Hyrax
Procavia capensis
KingdomAnimalia›PhylumChordata›ClassMammalia›OrderHyracoidea›FamilyProcaviidae›GenusProcavia
About
Small and rabbit-sized, the rock hyrax looks nothing like an elephant, yet DNA and anatomy confirm it as the elephant’s closest living land relative along with manatees. Its rubbery foot pads work like suction cups, gripping smooth rock faces at full sprint.
Hyraxes live in colonies of up to 80 animals, basking in gangs on warm boulders while a lookout male whistles an alarm at the first shadow of an eagle or leopard. They cannot regulate their body temperature well, so sunny basking spots are as important as food.
Key Facts
⛰Habitat Rocky outcrops, cliffs, and boulder fields in savanna and scrub
🍃Diet Leaves, grasses, fruits, and bark
📏Size & Weight Body 30–60 cm with no visible tail
•Weight 2–5 kg
⏳Lifespan 10–14 years wild; up to 20 in care
🗺Range Africa and the Arabian Peninsula
MammalHerbivore
Key Facts
⛰Habitat Rocky outcrops, cliffs, and boulder fields in savanna and scrub
🍃Diet Leaves, grasses, fruits, and bark
📏Size & Weight Body 30–60 cm with no visible tail
•Weight 2–5 kg
⏳Lifespan 10–14 years wild; up to 20 in care
🗺Range Africa and the Arabian Peninsula
Photo Credits
#1Giles Laurent · CC BY-SA 4.0
#2Hans Hillewaert · CC BY-SA 3.0
#3Giles Laurent · CC BY-SA 4.0
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