No copies of this work may be distributed electronically outside of the subscribed institution, in whole or in part, without written permission from the JHU Press . The body is covered with thick, short, rather coarse hair. The upper parts are generally brownish or grayish, sometimes suffused with black, and the underparts are white. Heterohyrax is distinguished by a patch of yellowish, reddish, or whitish hair in the middle of the back. This patch covers a gland that is exposed when the surrounding hairs are erected in anger.
Females usually have one pair of pectoral mammae and two pairs of inguinal mammae.
This species is more strictly confined to the larger areas of such a habitat and is less prone than is Procavia to colonize smaller outlying kopjes and piles of boulders. The altitudinal distribution of Heterohyrax is from sea level to at least 3,800 meters in mountains. Heterohyrax is sharp-sighted, keen of hearing, and quite aggressive, prepared to bite anything that attacks. Its presence often is detected by its calls, which resemble shrill screams. It is noted for its wariness, being ever alert and seeking shelter upon the slightest alarm, but is extremely curious and will soon show itself again.