Hyraxes
Common Name: Rock Hyrax
Binomial Name: Procavia capensis Identification: Small, but stock build. No tail. Small rounded ears. Erectile hair in the middle of the back is dark brown to black. Weight: Males +/- 4 kg (10 lb), females +/- 4 kg (10 lb) Gestation: 7 months Young: Litters of 1-4, usually 2-3 Habitat: Rocky areas, from mountain ranges to rocky outcrops. Diet: Grazers and browsers, with quantities of each varying with the seasons. Feeding usually takes place on the ground, but they will climb trees to feed on leaves, bark and fruits. They eat a very wide range of plants. Red List Status: Least Concern |
Common Name: Southern Tree Hyrax
Binomial Name: Dendrohyrax arboreus Identification: Similar in size to other hyrax species. Hair quite long and woolly in appearance. Upperparts grey, flecked with white and brown. Underparts white to creamy coloured. Weight: Males +/- 3 kg (8 lb), females +/- 3 kg (8 lb) Gestation: 7-8 months Young: Litters of 1-3 Habitat: Suitable forest and bush areas, including coastal dune forest. Fairly dense cover is an essential habitat requirement. Diet: Browsers, but may feed on grasses and herbs. Red List Status: Endangered |
Common Name: Yellow-spotted Rock Hyrax
Binomial Name: Heterohyrax brucei Identification: Small, but stock build. No tail. Small rounded ears. Erectile hair in the middle of the back is white to off-white or yellowish. Weight: Males +/- 3 kg (8 lb), females +/- 3 kg (8 lb) Gestation: 7 months Young: Litters of 1-4, usually 2 Habitat: Rocky areas, from mountain ranges to rocky outcrops. Diet: Grazers and browsers, with quantities of each varying with the seasons. Feeding usually takes place on the ground, but they will climb trees to feed on leaves, bark and fruits. They eat a very wide range of plants. Red List Status: Least Concern |