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Rock hyrax

Procavia capensis

Photo by KarenL
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

The rock hyrax is one of the four living species of the order Hyracoidea, and the only living species in the genus Procavia. Like all hyraxes, it is a medium-sized (~4 kg) terrestrial mammal, superficially resembling a guinea pig with short ears and tail. The closest living relatives to hyraxes are the modern day elephants and sirenians.

Habitat:

Serengeti

Notes:

Hanging out close around the picnic area in the hopes of a free lunch!

Reference Links:

Rock Hyrax

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (16)
KarenL
How interesting! There is certainly more to these guys than meets the eye! :)
hg_williams3
the first place I actually heard of these was in the bible a wise king observed at as one of the things that are little but wise. The hyrax is described as feeble but yet made its home in crags of mountains. I assumed it was like an oryx or type of mountain goat but when I looked I up I was really surprised
KarenL
These guys were hanging around one of the picnic areas, presumably in the hope of picking up a free meal! They were originally right under the picnic benches but didn't hang around for long once they were noticed & everyone started taking photos of them. I guess they are pretty habituated to people now but are still naturally quite timid.
BillCarpenter
Very cool. Looks like they let you get very close or you have a big lens?
Carolina
Haha you're right. When I saw the thumbnail I thought they were Capybaras.
KarenL
You have to admit they do look more like guinea pigs than elephants though!
KarenL
Just read up on them - their closest living relatives are the elephants & the manatees!
KarenL
Thanks guys! I will amend. I take copious notes on all my travels but for some reason I didn't make any on this species!
Carolina
I think they are not rodents, are they?
KarenL
Thats the one - rock hyrax! Thanks Carolina!

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Mission
African Mammals in the Wild

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Photographed
PublishedSeptember 7, 2011

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