Not the Lorax, the Hyrax
Considered to be the elephant’s and the manatee’s closest living relative, it’s the hyrax. Although much smaller than elephants or manatees, it is their teeth and bone structure that relates them to their much larger cousins. Read more, wont you?
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Procavia capensis
Weight: 8 – 11 lbs.
Length: Approximately 20 inches
Life span: Up to 12 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) The rock hyrax spends most of their time sleeping. About 90% of their time!
2.) They have four-chambered stomachs, like the dik-dik.
3.) Rock hyrax have a pair of long, pointed tusks that develop from their incisors. Males have larger tusks than females.
4.) Their habitats range from dry savanna to dense rainforest to cold Afro-alpine moorland.
5.) Rock hyrax feet have black, rubbery pads that are that are coated by numerous sweat glands. The pads lift up in the middle to create a suction cup effect which helps them keep their grip on rocky surfaces.
But wait, there’s more on the hyrax!
6.) The inside rear toe has a long nail called a grooming claw. This claw is used to pick through their hair and helps to scratch itches.
7.) The rock hyrax can generate over 20 different sounds! Sounds like yips, grunts, wails, trills, snorts, shrieks, growls, and whistles.
Did you know…?
The Old Testiment refers to the hyrax as not having a split hoof, so therefore not being kosher. There are also other references to them in the Bible.
8.) They have a scent gland on their backs that is used for communication and territory marking. They leave a smelly, sticky liquid that is most pungent during mating season.
9.) These cute critters eat tough vegetation, leaves, grasses, and fruit. During the meal, the dominant male will guard the group from predators.
10.) Gestation (pregnancy) lasts 200 to 250 days and ends with 1 – 6 babies, or pups. They look just like miniature versions of their parents.
