Bush Hyrax
ExploreMammals
Bush Hyrax
Heterohyrax brucei
Bush hyraxes are small, furry animals that look a bit like fluffy rabbits. They love to climb and can often be found resting on rocks in the sun, making them fun to spot!
Habitat: Rocky areas
Appearance
The Bush Hyrax is a small, stout mammal with dense, greyish-brown fur that is lighter on its belly. It has small, rounded ears and a very short, almost invisible tail. A unique feature is a distinct lighter patch of fur on its back where a scent gland is located, distinguishing it from similar species.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderHyracoideaFamilyProcaviidaeGenusHeterohyrax
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Believe it or not, hyraxes are elephants' closest living relatives, despite their size!
Bush Hyraxes can make more than 18 different sounds to talk to each other!
Bush Hyraxes often huddle in huge groups of up to 80 animals to stay warm.
Their big front teeth grow continuously, just like a rodent's, but they aren't rodents!
Special abilities
Ability
Sticky Feet Power
Bush Hyrax can climb smooth, steep rocks easily because of special rubbery pads on its feet that create suction, helping them grip.
Ability
Sun-Powered Warmth
Bush Hyrax can sunbathe and huddle together to manage body temperature because they don't regulate it well internally, which helps them stay warm or cool.
Ability
Ever-Growing Chompers
Bush Hyrax has sharp incisor teeth that grow continuously because they are used for stripping tough plant material, which helps them access food.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 30-38 cm
- Weight
- 2-4 kg
- Lifespan
- 8-10 years
- Top Speed
- 20 km/h
- Litter Size
- 1-3
- Gestation
- 190-210 days
Diet & Feeding
These furry rock dwellers munch on leaves, grass, fruits, and even tree bark to get their energy.
Primary Foods
- Leaves
- Grass
- Fruits
- Tree bark
- Flowers
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Leopard
Panthera pardus
A major predator, hunting hyraxes amongst rocks and trees.
eaten by
Verreaux's Eagle
Aquila verreauxii
These powerful eagles snatch hyraxes from high above.
eaten by
African Rock Python
Python sebae
Large snakes ambush hyraxes, constricting them for food.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Climbing/Vine
Climbing or vine plants are characterized by a growth habit that allows them to ascend upwards by twining, tendrils, or adhesive roots.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch from a distance and don't try to touch wild animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Bush Hyrax?
30-38 cm
How much does Bush Hyrax weigh?
2-4 kg
How long does Bush Hyrax live?
8-10 years
How fast can Bush Hyrax move?
20 km/h
What does Bush Hyrax eat?
These furry rock dwellers munch on leaves, grass, fruits, and even tree bark to get their energy.
Where is Bush Hyrax usually found?
Rocky areas
How does Bush Hyrax hunt?
Foraging
How many babies does Bush Hyrax usually have?
1-3
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