Africa, south of the Sahara except for a narrow band along the Nile valley, north to a coastal band in Asia Minor. A wide variety of plants with emphasis on grasses. Male and female are approximately the same size. Species living in warm, arid zones have short fur.
Tree hyraxes have longer, thicker, softer and more luxuriant fur.
Rock hyraxes have the widest geographic and altitudinal distribution of all species, but are still dependent upon rock outcrops for shelter. Efficient kidney metabolism and function allow them to exist on minimal moisture intake. Peak in births generally coincides with rainy season. Within a family group, pregnant females all deliver within a period of approximately three weeks. Hyraxes disperse over a distance of at least one to two miles.