Rock Hyrax

## Background Information

### Alternate Name(s)

Hyrax, Dassie, Klipdassie, iMbila, Rock rabbit, Singing rock rabbit, Cape hyrax, Coney, Rock badger

## Classification

### Subspecies

P. c. capensisP. c. capillosa
P. c. johnstoni
P. c. welwitschii
P. c. jayakari
P. c. bamendae
P. c. habessinius
P. c. erlangeri
P. c. reuficeps
P. c. mackindera
P. c. sharica
P. c. syricus

The rock hyrax ***(Procavia capensis)*** or just simply hyrax or dassie in Afrikaans, is a small mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa and southwestern Asia. Though they appear to be rodents, rock hyraxes are actually very closely related to elephants, manatees and their relatives. A unique feature of the hyrax which establishes this connection, are the small 'hooves' that the species possess on their toes. Additionally, on the inner toe of the hind foot exists an elongated claw, known as a 'grooming claw'. Hyraxes have a small, rotund body structure and tan or brown coarse hair. They have small, square heads with rounded ears, shortened muzzles and black noses. Similarly to whiskers, hyraxes possess guard hairs, which allow the species to feel and examine their surroundings. The eyes of the hyrax are unique among their relatives and other mammals, as the iris protrudes into the upper pupil, as a way to limit vision obstruction by sunlight from above. one of the most notable features of the hyrax lays in its strange dentition. The teeth or rather 'tusks' of the hyrax are derived originally from specialised canines or incisors. In order to support the highland lifestyle of the rock hyrax, the species has developed cushioned and moist pads on the underside of their feet. They are relatively small animals growing to 20-30cm (8-12in) at shoulder height, measuring 30-56cm (12-22in) from head to rump and weighing only 2-5kg (4-12lbs).

## Diet

Hyraxes are herbivorous animals, similarly to their relatives. They use their tusks to crush and grind various species of plants and vegetation. Their diets change seasonally, consuming an array of grasses during the wet season and later switching to leaves and fruits in the dry season, in the absence of grasses. Hyraxes feed communally, grazing or browsing in a circle formation and sticking their heads away from each other in order to efficiently spot potential predators.

## Conservation Status

Though the hyrax is hunted locally throughout its range, this is not perceived as an imminent threat to the species. The species is classed as least concern for this reason.

## Range and Population

Hyraxes inhabit a vast range stretching from southern and northern Africa and the Arabian peninsula. The species is abundant throughout arid highland mountainous environments, grasslands and savannas. They can be found scattered throughout inland cliffsides at elevations of up to 4,300m (14,107.61ft). The species is so common that it can be found in every mainland African country, with the exceptions of Morocco, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. They are also thought to occur in Syria however, no population has been recorded as of currently. The population of the hyrax is unknown however, it is likely stable.

## Behaviour

Hyraxes are extremely social animals that can be found in groups of up to 5-60 individuals. These groups, known as 'kopjes' are comprised of a dominant male and accompanying females and offspring though, some addition males will also be apart of the kopje, they will tend to reside on the outskirts of the territory, in an effort to avoid conflict with the dominant male. Sometimes, these males may live in bachelor groups. During the night, hyraxes will all rest in the same holes or burrows and emerge again in the morning. After waking up, the members of the kopje will huddle up together. Kopjes also have designated waster disposal areas, urinating and defecating in the same spots. Hyraxes have a bare dorsal scent gland on their back which is surrounded with a coat of black hairs and used by males to mark their territory or to recognise specific members of their kopjes. When a hyrax is threatened, aggravated or excited, the hairs on this gland will rise. An older male or female will also bark in a high-pitch, in addition to this display. A repetitive bark is produced by the dominant male, while he is showcasing his territory to available females during the breeding season. Aside from these calls, hyraxes will also emit an assortment of barks, mews, growls, squeaks, snorts, tweets, chirps and particularly longer 'laughing' or 'whooping' calls. These particular calls have given the species the title of 'singing rock rabbit' and are used to inform other hyraxes of their location. Hyraxes mate once a year and the female's proceeding gestation will last 6.5-8.5 months, a period much longer than other mammals of their stature. The mother will birth her litter in secluded crevices, typically birthing three young, but may birth as many as six. The pups -as they are called-, are born completely furred and with both their eyes and ears open and functional. They will begin soon to walk at 24 hours of age and will be weaned after 1-5 months. Before being weaned, a pup will feed off its mother's excrement. This strategy allows the pup to house beneficial bacteria in its immune system, allow it to digest grasses and fruits easily. Hyraxes become sexually mature at 16-17 months. Though the females will remain in the kopje, the males will leave after two years, eventually living on the outskirts of another kopje and possibly taking it over as the dominant male.

### Relationship with Humans

In the species' Israeli range, the hyrax is known to greatly damage crops. Despite this, its protected status allows the species to escape culling. The reason for this nation-wide protection, is due to the hyrax's role in the Old Testament, where they called 'coneys' and considered 'non-kosher', as they lack a split hoof. In proverbs 30:24, they are said to be "exceedingly wise". In other cultures, the waste produced by hyraxes, are commonly used in South African traditional medicines in order to cure minor sicknesses, such as epilepsy. The waste extract is also used in the perfume industry to create a musk known as *Hyraceum*. Though their appearance resembles that of a guinea pig ***(Cavia porcellus)*** or hamster ***(Cricetinae)***, the hyrax does not make a good pet, as its highly specialised lifestyle exempts it from a household environment. Despite this, some still attempt to keep them, though this is not advised and dangerous to both the owner and pet.

## In Captivity

Rock hyraxes can be found in a variety of zoos worldwide. These include; the Smithsonian's National Zoo, USA, Moscow Zoo, Russia, Edinburgh Zoo, UK and many more. Hyraxes are mostly popular in zoos due to their appearance and odd background as subversive elephant relatives.

## Sources

* IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/41766/21285876
* Rock Hyrax | San Diego Zoo - https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/rock-hyrax
* Rock Hyrax | Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute - https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/rock-hyrax
* Hyrax: 18 amazing facts about this coney animal | Africa Freak - https://africafreak.com/hyrax
* Dassie | SANBI - https://www.sanbi.org/animal-of-the-week/dassie/
* The Creature Feature: 10 Fun Facts About the Rock Hyrax (Or, Are You Ready to Rock Hyrax?) | WIRED - https://www.wired.com/2014/01/the-creature-feature-10-fun-facts-about-the-rock-hyrax-or-are-you-ready-to-rock-hyrax/
* Rock Hyrax | ZOOINSTITUTES - https://zooinstitutes.com/animals/rock-hyrax-1354/