Animal Fact Sheet
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Rock Hyrax
Procavia Capensis
What does it look
like?
Hyraxes have short, rather coarse brown coats with lighter colored
flanks and cream colored underbelly. A black dorsal patch covers
a scent gland. This little mammal is about 20 inches long and weighs
six to seven pounds.
- Their bodies are plump with short, thin legs and a rudimentary
tail.
Their heads are thick and pointed with short, rounded ears and
long black whiskers on their muzzles
- Males have four razor sharp, interlocking tusks which they use
in defense
- Hyraxes' forefeet have four toes, their hind feet, three.
Their flat nails resemble hooves, and the inner toe on each hind
foot is smaller
- Sweat glands and special muscles in the feet work almost like
suction cups for climbing and gripping surfaces.
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| Where
in the world?
Rock hyraxes live in isolated communities primarily throughout central
Africa, although some colonies can be found throughout northeast
Africa, Israel and Syria. They live in rocky, scrub-covered areas,
sheltering under rocks, in crevices, or by digging burrows. Reluctant
to leave their rocky shelters when the weather is cold or overcast,
hyraxes may not emerge at all during rainy periods.
What are some behaviors?
Living in colonies from four to as many as 60 individuals, depending
on the habitat, the basic family unit consists of one adult territorial
male, several adult females and their young.
The adult male is the leader and most watchful,
often keeping guard on a high rock or branch while the others feed.
Other males may live in bachelor groups of their own. Adults have
over 21 different vocalizations for communicating with their young
and the rest of the group. The most important sound is an alarm
call when danger is approaching.
Hyraxes are active and quite agile, running up
steep, smooth rock surfaces with ease. Although humble in appearance,
they are vigorous fighters and can be extremely aggressive. They
have a longevity of 10 to 12 years.
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What about offspring?
Hyraxes have definite breeding periods that vary with the geographic
location. After a gestation period from 205 to 245 days, females
give birth in a protected rocky crevice to from one up to six young.
Young are born fully covered with hair and eyes open. Sexual maturity
occurs at about 16 to 17 months of ages.
What does it eat?
Rock hyraxes are vegetarians, feeding on practically any plant including
some that are poisonous to other animals. They will even eat tree
bark, and occasionally, insects and grubs.
Is it threatened
or endangered?
No, not at the present time. |
