Mammal · GBIF taxon 5219598
Rock Hyrax
Procavia capensisAlso known as Dassie, Cape Hyrax, Rock Rabbit, Coney
Rock hyraxes live in large, vocal colonies among rocky cliffs and boulder fields, spending early mornings basking on sun-warmed rocks to regulate their body temperature. Despite their compact, guinea-pig-like appearance, these agile climbers are among the closest living terrestrial relatives of elephants, possessing specialized rubbery footpads for traction on steep rock faces. Complex vocalizations including trills, grunts, and shrieks maintain social order and alert the colony to approaching aerial predators.
SocialDiurnalBasking
Licensed reference(c) dhfischer, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Herbivorous (grasses, shrubs, leaves, bark)
Predators
- Verreaux's Eagle
- Leopard
- Caracal
ThreatsLocalized hunting and habitat encroachment
HabitatsRocky cliffs, boulder fields, outcrops, and arid savannas
Life span10–14 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyProcaviidae
- SpeciesProcavia capensis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- May bite defensively if cornered or handled; observe from a safe distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Possesses sharp, tusk-like upper incisors that can deliver a painful bite if cornered or handled.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a compact, tailless brown mammal with short ears and a prominent rubbery snout.
- What to do
- Do not corner or touch wild individuals; admire them from a safe observing distance.
Responsible observation
- Spotting Basking Groups: Scan high sunny boulders during early morning hours as they warm up.
- Listening for Calls: Listen for sharp, piercing alarm whistles when approaching rocky outcrops.
- Safe Distance: Maintain a respectful buffer to avoid causing panic or territorial defensive displays.
Predator (c) Tony Rebelo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Tony Rebelo · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Summer J. Smentek, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Fábio Olmos, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Fábio Olmos · cc-by
Evolutionary Relative (c) dhfischer, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by dhfischer · cc-by
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