Hyrax

Species

There are three types of hyrax: bush, rock and tree. There is one species of bush hyrax with 25 subspecies and one rock hyrax species with 17 subspecies. The tree hyrax has 4 species, one only confirmed this year.

Heterohyrax brucei
Procavia capensis
Dendrohyrax arboreus
Dendrohyrax dorsalis
Dendrohyrax validus
Dendrohyrax interfluvialis

Bush hyrax
Rock hyrax
Southern tree hyrax
Western tree hyrax
Eastern tree hyrax
West African (Benin) tree hyrax

Population

Almost all species of hyrax are considered of Least concern. However, the Eastern tree hyrax was assessed in 2014 and classified as near threatened. The West African (Benin) tree hyrax, the newest species, has not yet been assessed.

Size

The rock hyrax is the largest species. It typically measures 300 - 560 mm in length and weighs 2 - 5 kg. The bush hyrax measures 305 - 380 mm in length and weighs 1.3 - 3.6 kg. Tree hyraxes measure 440 - 570 mm and the average weight is 2.27 kg.
Hyraxes have a dorsal spot on its back, which is scent gland. It is covered with longer hair (black or yellow, depending on the species). The rock hyrax has a more rounded head and a blunt nose.

Habitat & distribution

Hyraxes are found throughout Africa with the rock hyrax also found in the Middle East.
Sometimes bush and rock hyraxes live in the same area and even share shelter holes. However, they do not interbreed.
Tree hyraxes are found in all types of forests (alpine, montane, highland, lowland and riverine).
The rock hyrax has the largest distribution throughout most of Africa and the Middle East.
The bush hyrax (Heterohyrax brucei) is found along the east coast of Africa and on the west coast of Angola.
The Benin tree hyrax inhabits an area between the Niger and Volta rivers (in Nigeria and Ghana respectively). they were first thought to be a separate species by their different vocalisations compared with the western tree hyrax.
The southern tree hyrax is found in Kenya and Uganda south to South Africa. The eastern tree hyrax is found in small areas in Tanzania.

Feet adapted for climbing

Hyraxes have rubbery foot pads and sweat glands on the soles of their feet. There is a hollow in the middle of the foot pad that acts like a suction cup. This combined with the sweat enable the hyrax to be an adept climber.

Diet

Hyraxes have a 3 chambered stomach to help them better digest their plant based diet.
Rock hyraxes are mainly grazers (eat fresh grass) but switch to browsing when the grass dries out. They will eat fruit and leaves, insects and birds eggs. When grazing, rock hyraxes feed in a circular group with their heads facing outwards. This enables them to watch for predators.
Bush hyraxes are browsers, eating mainly leaves, shoots, fruits and bark.
Tree hyraxes browse on leaves and fruits.
Pups eat hyrax poop - this helps seed their stomach with the bacteria they need in their stomachs to help digest their food.

Interesting facts

~ With their rodent-like appearance, hyraxes are more closely related to elephants. Skull and dental analysis show similarities. For example, the tusks of elephants and hyraxes (although quite small) develop from incisor teeth. In other tusked mammals, these develop from canine teeth.
~ Hyraxes have a nictating eyelid to help keep dust out of their eyes.
~ Hyraxes cannot regulate their body temperature and have a low metabolic rate. They need to bask in the sun and huddle together to keep warm. They also spend most of the day (90%) inactive.

Group

Rock and bush hyraxes are very sociable. They live in colonies of up to 50 led by a dominant male with 5-7 females and their offspring. Colonies can be territorial and they use a communal latrine. Females stay with their colony for life. Rock and bush hyraxes find shelter in natural rock/boulder crevices. Hyraxes do not like the cold or rain and will remain in their shelter.
Tree hyraxes are mostly solitary and nocturnal but they have been known to associate in pairs. Tree hyraxes make a den in a cavity of a tree.

Breeding & lifespan

For a small mammal, hyraxes have a long gestation period of 7-8 months. However, when pups are born, they are well developed (precocial) with eyes and ears open and able to follow their mothers around a few hours after birth. They are also born with an adult coat. Rock and bush hyraxes have 2-3 pups but tree hyraxes have 1-2 pups. Not much is known about tree hyrax pups but they are competent climbers by the end of their first day.

Predators & threats

The Black (Verreaux's) eagle feeds almost exclusively on hyraxes. Martial and fawny eagles, leopards, lions, jackals, spotted hyena and several snake species also prey on hyraxes.
Some tree hyraxes, especially the Eastern tree hyrax, has been hunted for its long, thick, soft fur.