ROCK HYRAX Procavia capensis Mammal Order Hyracoidea Description Head and body length is 12-21 inches. Weight: 8-9 lbs. Height at shoulders: 8-12 inches. Color: Light to dark brown. Range Throughout southern Africa. Status Not endangered. Photo © James Rowan

Ecology Habitat Rocky, scrub covered habitats, wherever there is suitable shelter. Active during the day, group sizes vary from 4-60 individuals.   Niche Herbivorous feeding mainly on grasses having high crowns and relatively short shoots. Life History 6 young are born after a gestation of 210-240 days. Their lifespan is 9 12 years. Special Adaptations 21 different adult vocalizations for communicating information effectively. Short feeding times, about an hour a day, plus the ability to derive most of their required moisture from their food, enables the hyrax to stay in or near shelter. This is important because they cannot regulate their own body temperature well, so prolonged exposure to heat or cold could be fatal. The soles of their feet are moist and rubberlike, which gives the animals traction on smooth surfaces and steep slopes.