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Rock Dassie (female)

Procavia capensis

Description:

Light grey color. Looks darker when the coat is fluffed up in the cold and glossy when the coat is sleeked down in hot conditions. Long tactile, black whiskers are scattered throughout the coat. Behind the ears there is a buffy patch and a indistinct pale patch above the eyes. Length 45-60cm. Weight approx.. 4,2 kg. Males incisor teeth show below the upper lip unlike females.

Habitat:

Very wide range of habitats, from sea level to high mountainous areas and high rainfall areas through to desert regions. The only definite requirement is for shelter amongst rocks, but drains and similar structures provide adequate substitutes, allowing them to live in the suburbs of some cities. They are independent of water as long as they can eat green or succulent vegetation.

Notes:

This was a female basking in the afternoon late sun, typical of rock hyrax behavior. This specimen was found amongst the rocky shores of the Atlantic near Cape Town.

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2 Comments

Smith'sZoo
Smith'sZoo 11 years ago

so cute! we will be sure to add pics to your mission!

Maria dB
Maria dB 11 years ago

very nice series

Kei Heyns
Spotted by
Kei Heyns

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Spotted on Dec 21, 2011
Submitted on Jul 30, 2012

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