ExploreMammals

Rock Hyrax

Procavia capensis

Rock hyraxes are small, furry animals that look a bit like fluffy guinea pigs! They love to live on rocky cliffs and can often be seen basking in the sun with their friends.

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The Rock Hyrax is a small, stout mammal with a rabbit-like appearance but no visible tail. It has dense, brownish-grey fur, small rounded ears, and a blunt snout. Its feet feature soft, padded soles that provide excellent grip on rocky surfaces.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderHyracoideaFamilyProcaviidaeGenusProcavia
Rock Hyrax
furry trait badgesocial trait badgesinging trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Rock Hyrax

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Despite their size, hyraxes are closely related to elephants and manatees!

Hyraxes have a 'thermostat' spot on their back that helps them feel the sun's warmth.

These social animals often huddle together for warmth and safety on cold nights.

They have special teeth that grow constantly, just like rodents, for munching tough plants.

Special abilities

Ability

Sticky Climber

Rock Hyrax has specialized padded feet that secrete a sticky fluid, helping them cling securely to steep, rocky cliffs.

Ability

Nature's Solar Panel

Rock Hyrax can sunbathe in groups to warm up their bodies because they cannot regulate their temperature well on their own.

Ability

Super Communicator

Rock Hyrax can use a wide range of calls, including loud shrieks, that help them warn others of danger or claim territory.

Measurements & details

Length
30-50 cm
Weight
2-5 kg
Lifespan
9-14 years
Top Speed
30 km/h
Litter Size
1-6
Gestation
200-240 days

Diet & Feeding

These herbivores munch on a variety of plants, from grasses and leaves to fruits and bark!

Primary Foods

  • grasses
  • leaves
  • fruits
  • bark
  • flowers

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Verreaux's Eagle

Aquila verreauxii

a primary aerial predator

eaten by

Leopard

Panthera pardus

a powerful ground predator

eaten by

African Rock Python

Python sebae

large snakes hunt young hyraxes

Traits

Also known as

Cape HyraxRock Dassie

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always observe wild animals from a distance and never try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Rock Hyrax?

30-50 cm

How much does Rock Hyrax weigh?

2-5 kg

How long does Rock Hyrax live?

9-14 years

How fast can Rock Hyrax move?

30 km/h

What does Rock Hyrax eat?

These herbivores munch on a variety of plants, from grasses and leaves to fruits and bark!

Where is Rock Hyrax usually found?

Mountain regions

How does Rock Hyrax hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does Rock Hyrax usually have?

1-6

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

More Mammals