The Cape Hyrax (scientific name: Procavia capensis) is a species in the order Hyracoidea. Superficially, it resembles rabbits with short ears and tail.

Occurrence

Cape Hyraxes occur south of Syria, through North Africa and much of sub-Saharan Africa, living in savanna or grassland areas. They live in cavities in rock outcroppings and can often be found in the burrows of other animals including those of aardvarks and meerkats.

In South Africa, these animals are commonly called Dassies or "Rock rabbits" since they are often seen sunning themselves on rocks and, like the rabbits that they resemble, are small herbivores.

Physical description and lifestyle

The skull of Cape Hyrax has a pair of long tusk-like incisors and molars that resemble rhinoceros' molars. The forefeet are plantigrade, and the hindfeet semi-digitigrade. The soles of the feet have large, soft pads that are kept moist with sweat-like secretions. Male hyraxes are slightly larger than females.

Cape Hyrax give birth to between two to three young after a 6-7 month gestation period. The young are well-developed at birth with fully-opened eyes and complete pelage. Young can ingest solid food after two weeks and are weaned at ten weeks. Young are sexually mature after 16 months, reach adult size at three years, and typically live about ten years.

Hyraxes live in herds of up to 80 individuals. These herds are subdivided into smaller flocks consisting of a few families and headed by an adult male. Hyraxes spend most of their time resting in large huddles or basking alone. These behaviors probably serve to help regulate body temperature as hyraxes' body temperature fluctuates with ambient temperature (i.e. they are not strictly homeothermic).

Cape Hyraxes and medical treatment

Cape Hyraxes produce large quantities of hyraceum (sticky mass of dung and urine) that has been employed by people in the treatment of several medical disorders, including epilepsy and convulsions.

References

1. Animal Diversity Website - Procavia capensis