rock hyrax
Quick Summary
The rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) is a diurnal, terrestrial mammal found in Africa and the Middle East. Despite their rodent-like appearance, they are more closely related to elephants, as indicated by their tusklike incisors.1
Hyraxes, which include the rock hyrax, are small hoofed mammals native to Africa and Asia. They have squat bodies, plump heads, and short limbs and tails. Rock hyraxes live in groups among rocks and are active during the day, while tree hyraxes are arboreal, solitary, and nocturnal. All hyraxes are primarily vegetarian.2
Adult hyraxes are about 12 to 20 inches long and weigh 9 to 11 pounds. They possess specialized foot pads for climbing and have unique teeth, including continuously growing upper incisors and chisel-like lower incisors. They give birth to one to three young after a gestation period of seven to eight months. Their natural predators include pythons, eagles, and large cats.2
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