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Small mammals
Rock hyrax
Rock hyrax · Procavia capensis
The rock hyrax looks a bit like a hoary marmot, but it nimbly climbs over rocks and surprises you with its whistling calls.
Fact file
- Size
- Compact body, body length around 30 to 58 cm, weight between 2 and 5 kg
- Males and females
- Sex differences hardly visible from the outside, males slightly larger
- Sounds
- Whistling calls, loud chattering when threatened
- Diet
- Nibbles leaves, grasses, herbs and bark
- Offspring
- 2 to 4 young after just under eight months of gestation, usually in spring
How to identify Rock hyrax
The rock hyrax is about the size of a guinea pig with a compact, sturdy body. Its short fur is grey-brown to olive in colour, with the colouring adapted to the rocky ground. A typical light patch on its back turns out, on closer inspection, to be a scent gland.
The ears of the rock hyrax are small and rounded, its black button eyes are set on the sides of the head. The short legs end in broad, rubbery soles that help it climb smooth rocks. The short tail is almost like a stump and is barely visible.
More in the app
With Wildful Stories+ you also get in the app:
- general viewing tips
- 3 places where you can see Rock hyrax
Where Rock hyrax live
Namibia
Discover Rock hyrax on your trip.
The app shows you where and when to see wildlife along your route.
