Animal profile

Rock Hyrax

Procavia capensis

MammaliaRocky outcrops, cliffs, boulder fields and koppiesLeast Concern

Field profile

The rock hyrax is a stout, tailless herbivore that lives in colonies among boulders and cliffs. It resembles a large guinea pig but is most closely related to elephants and sea cows. It basks for long periods because it regulates its body temperature poorly on its own.

Published field notes

2023-01-19

Rock Hyrax

The hyrax is a close relative of the elephant

A rock hyrax weighs a few kilograms and looks like a rodent. Its nearest living relatives are elephants and sea cows, and the evidence for that runs through tusk-like incisors, foot anatomy and molecular data.

Read with evidence →