Diurnal, gregarious, territorial. A colony typically consists of one territorial male with a harem of several related females plus their young. Adolescent males are forced to disperse. There is no obvious rank hierarchy among females, but older individuals are usually the leaders. The male is dominant over all other colony members and plays a classic watchdog role against both rivals and predators.
Hyraxes are seasonal breeders and births within the same colony are synchronized.
Litter size ranges from 1 to 6, averaging 2-3 young. Gestation of 7-8 months is surprisingly long, possible a legacy from larger ancestors. Weaning occurs within 3 months. Sexual maturity is at 16-17 months. Longevity is at least 8.5 years in the wild and 12 years in captivity.