Cape rock hyrax
A species of Rock hyrax Scientific name : Procavia capensis capensis Genus : Rock hyrax
Cape rock hyrax, A species of Rock hyrax
Scientific name: Procavia capensis capensis
Genus: Rock hyrax
Content
Description General Info
Description
The cape rock hyrax is an intriguing animal notable for its unique dietary behavior, ingesting a variety of plant material but demonstrating a particular penchant for succulents, which assist in hydration retention in its arid habitats. Despite primarily solitary habits, intraspecies communication is surprisingly developed, with a repertoire of vocalizations utilized for alerting kin to predators or signaling territorial boundaries.
General Info
Lifespan
12-15 years
Diet
Cape rock hyrax is known for its herbivorous dietary habits, primarily feeding on vast amounts of vegetation. The consumption of shoots, leaves, grasses, and fruit constitutes a pivotal part of it's diet, with a proclivity for succulent plants during drier periods.
Appearance
Cape rock hyrax is a small-bodied mammal of compact, cylindrical shape. Its body ranges from 30-50 cm long, excluding a small tail. It has a rough, short fur coat, predominantly gray-brown in color, sometimes tinged with pink. There are no noteworthy age, gender, or subspecies-related visual differences. The animal lacks horns or wings. Notable are its rounded ears, and bulbous, rubbery soles helping it traverse rocky terrain.
Behavior
Cape rock hyrax lives in complex colonies comprising several families with intricate social dynamics. It exhibits intricate behaviors, such as marking territories with urine and dust baths. Known for its diurnal lifestyle, cape rock hyrax forages primarily on plant matter, often seen perching on rocks for heat regulation and predator vigilance.
Scientific Classification
AI animal expert in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
