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Rock hyrax

Procavia capensis

Description:

The rock hyrax or 'dassie' is a small rodent-like mammal but are actually most closely related to elephants. These animals make long-established colonies in rocky areas and are known to have several homes within their territories which they move between if disturbed or in order to be closer to water sources. Their digestive systems are very efficient and they are able to collect all the food they need for a day in a few hours, feeding exclusively on leaves. They can often be found sun-bathing in order to help regulate their body temperature.

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2 Comments

AmySutcliffe
AmySutcliffe 12 years ago

Yes they are so lovely to watch, most people go to Africa wanting to see the 'big five' but I was really hoping to see these guys and luckily there was a colony of them right on the reserve I was working on! :-)

achmmad
achmmad 12 years ago

First time I see those beautiful creature! Nice shot!

AmySutcliffe
Spotted by
AmySutcliffe

Emnambithi-Ladysmith Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Spotted on Nov 11, 2011
Submitted on Feb 11, 2012

Spotted for Mission

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