What is Rock Hyrax?
The rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) also called the Cape hyrax is a small mammal found in Africa and the Middle East. It is the only member of the family Procaviidae and is closely related to elephant manatees and aardvarks. The rock hyrax is a small mammal with adults ranging in size from 30 to 80 cm long and weighing 1 to 4 kg. The body is covered in short thick fur which is usually grey or brown in color. The head is relatively large with a short snout and small eyes. The legs are short and stout and end in hooves.
Rock hyraxes are found in Africa south of the Sahara Desert as well as in the Arabian Peninsula and on the Sinai Peninsula. They typically live in rocky areas near water sources such as rivers or lakes. Rock hyraxes are social animals living in groups of 10-50 individuals.
Rock hyrax habitat
Rock hyraxes are small gregarious mammals that live in Africa and the Middle East. They are most commonly found in rocky areas such as cliff caves and boulder fields. Although they are often seen basking in the sun on rocks they are proficient swimmers and can stay submerged for up to two minutes at a time. Rock hyraxes are social animals and live in groups of up to 80 individuals. These groups are led by a dominant male and each group has a distinct home range. Rock hyraxes are herbivores and feed on a variety of plants including grasses lichens mosses and fruits.
Rock hyrax pet
Rock hyraxes are small stocky animals that live in Africa and the Middle East. They are closely related to elephants and manatees and are sometimes called "rock badgers" or "coneys." Rock hyraxes are good swimmers and can climb trees and cliffs with ease. They are social animals that live in colonies of up to 80 individuals. Rock hyraxes are not currently kept as pets but their docile nature and cute appearance make them potential candidates for domestication.
Rock hyrax teeth
Rock hyraxes are small stocky mammals with short legs blunt claws and short thick tails. They are found in Africa and the Middle East. Rock hyraxes are closely related to elephants and manatees. Their teeth are interesting in that they have only two types of teeth: incisors and molars. The incisors are used for grooming and the molars are used for grinding food. Rock hyraxes are herbivores and their diet consists mostly of grasses and leaves.
Rock hyrax facts
The rock hyrax also called the Cape hyrax or rock badger is a small mammal found in Africa and the Middle East. It is the only member of the genus Procavia. The closest living relatives of the hyraxes are the elephant's aardvarks and dugongs. The rock hyrax is a social creature living in groups of up to 80 individuals. It is generally nocturnal although it may be active during the day in cool weather. The diet of the rock hyrax consists mainly of plants but it will also eat insects small reptiles and birds.
How is a Rock Hyrax related to an elephant?
The rock hyrax is a small furry mammal that is found in Africa and the Middle East. Although it may look like a guinea pig or a large hamster the rock hyrax is actually more closely related to the elephant! Both animals belong to the same group of mammals which includes horses rhinos and tapirs. The rock hyrax is a good example of how different animals can be related even if they don't look very similar.
Is Rock Hyrax aggressive?
No, the rock hyrax is not an aggressive animal. It is a timid creature that is easily frightened. However, if it feels threatened it will use its powerful hind legs to kick out at its attacker.
What is a hyrax in the Bible?
The hyrax is a small rodent-like creature that is mentioned several times in the Bible. In the King James Version of the Bible the word "hyrax" is translated as "conies". The hyrax is a timid creature that lives in rock crevices and feeds on vegetation. Although the hyrax is not considered to be a dangerous animal it is included in the list of unclean animals in the Bible (Leviticus 11:5).
Are hyraxes endangered?
Yes, hyraxes are endangered. They are being hunted for their meat which is considered a delicacy in some cultures and for their fur. Their habitats are also being destroyed by humans as we encroach on their territory for housing and other development. Hyraxes are also sometimes killed by farmers as they are considered pests.
