Rock hyrax
A species of Rock hyrax, Also known as Rock rabbit, Rock badger Scientific name : Procavia capensis Genus : Rock hyrax
Rock hyrax, A species of Rock hyrax
Also known as:
Rock rabbit, Rock badger
Scientific name: Procavia capensis
Genus: Rock hyrax
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Kevin Stroup , used under CC-BY-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Cape klipdas is a stocky animal with a short, thick coat. The head is blunt with small, rounded ears. The coat differs per region and subspecies, but usually has a light gray to dark brown color. There is a yellow, black or evenly colored back spot on the back. The underside is paler. It becomes 30 to 58 centimeters long and 1.8 to 5.4 kilograms in weight. The tail is 20 to 31 millimeters long.
General Info
Lifespan
12-15 years
Diet
Rock hyrax primarily feeds on vegetation, with a particular preference for leaves, shoots, and fruits. Their diet also includes bark, roots, and tubers, making them significant environmental shapers.
Appearance
Rock hyrax is a compact, squat creature, roughly resembling a robust football in shape. Its skin is characteristically thick, rubbery, and covered with short, coarse hairs. The primary coloration is grayish-brown, lending to an overall dusty appearance. Its rounded body culminates in a short, tapered tail. Both males and females sport long, robust incisors and clawed digits. Furthermore, juveniles tend to sport a lighter coloration than adults, fading as they mature.
Behavior
Rock hyrax is a primarily nocturnal species, foraging and grooming in secluded areas at night. Their social structure consists of small, female-led groups, with extensive social interaction through vocalizations and body contact. Territories are marked and defended through scent secretions from specialized glands. They exemplify adept climbing abilities, adapted to survival in mountainous habitats.
Population
Stable
Photo By Kevin Stroup , used under CC-BY-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original