The rock hyrax is a small, stocky mammal that lives in colonies on rocky hills across Africa and the Middle East. It is a favourite prey of eagles, leopards and snakes.
Interesting facts
- Moist, rubbery pads on its feet give it excellent grip on smooth rocks.
- Hyraxes regulate their body temperature poorly, so they sunbathe and huddle together.
- Their communal latrines produce a hardened material called hyraceum, used in perfume and traditional medicine.
- Layers of hyraceum can preserve pollen for tens of thousands of years, helping scientists reconstruct past climates.
- Males sing complex songs with a structure like simple syntax.
- In southern Africa it is called the dassie.
Behaviour
Hyraxes live in colonies of up to about 50, with sentinels that give alarm calls. They bask in the morning sun and feed in short bursts.
Breeding and young
After a long gestation of about seven to eight months, females give birth to two to four well-developed young.
Threats and conservation
The species is common and widespread.
Where to see it
- Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa
- Hell’s Gate National Park, Kenya
- Kopjes of the Serengeti, Tanzania
- Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, Israel
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
