Rock Hyrax
Procavia Capensis
Scientific Name
Rock Hyrax: Procavia Capensis
Distribution and Habitat
Geographic Range
Africa south of the Sahara, Arabia and the Middle East.
Natural Habitat
Prefer rocky terrain in savanna and semiarid regions.
Physical Characteristics
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Most hyraxes are between one and two feet long and weigh from 4 to 10 pounds. But across South Africa, their sizes vary. The size of the hyrax reaches a maximum of about 2.29 feet. Hyraxes have very short tails. They typically have darker brown fur on their backs and creamy fur in the front. Fur thickness is dependable on the environment. In dry environments their fur is short, while in colder areas, they have thicker fur.
Quick Facts
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The size of a hyrax is directly related to precipitation because it has a greater effect on preferred hyrax foods.
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Rock hyraxes live in groups with one territorial male and up to 20 females and their young. Several groups may live in one area, but each male defends his territory from other males.
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Fossil remains indicate there were once hyraxes the size of oxen.
Conservation Status
Least Concern: The Rock Hyrax is common or abundant and is likely to survive in the wild.
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Diet
Herbivore
In the wild, hyraxes mostly feed on different types of grasses. But they have been occasionally known to eat stems, buds, or fruit. They also rarely eat insects and grubs. They have been known to go many days without water due to the moisture they obtain through their food
