The rock hyrax (Procavia capensis), commonly referred to in South Africa as the Dassie is a medium-sized terrestrial mammal native to Africa and the Middle East. The Dassie is one of the five living species of the order Hyracoidea, and the only one in the genus Procavia. There are three hyrax species, two known as rock (or bush) hyrax and the third as tree hyrax. They are hard to differentiate between the species when in the field. We can all agree that they are very, very cute! Now, it’s time to learn some interesting facts about these furry little critters…
They are not rodents
These little robust, oversized guinea pig or rabbit looking animal with rounded ears and no tail, is not a rodent. In fact, despite their size and appearance, the dassie’s closest relation is the elephant and Sirenians (Manatees and Dugongs). They sure could have fooled us!
Can you guess where they live…?
Near rocky hills and outcrops. As you probably guessed from their name, the rock hyrax are small diurnal mammals (meaning they are awake in the day, like us) live on rocky hills and outcrops where they use the natural cavities for shelter and protection from predators such as Leopards, caracals and Veraux’s eagles.
Safety in numbers
Dassies eat in their large family groups. The eat a variety of food sources from plants, grubs and insects. They can even feed from plants that are aromatic and toxic to other animals. The benefit of feeding in large groups, is to keep each other safe. Some of the Dassies stand on guard looking out for danger and are quick to respond and warn the others of approaching threats.
Dumpy but agile
From looking at a Dassie, you wouldn’t expect them to be fast and agile. Well, the good old saying ‘never judge a book by it’s cover’. Dassies are actually quick fast and very agile, despite having no tail, short legs and stocky bodies. Their moist, soft and rubbery padded feet help with traction to enable them to be so agile thanks to their special glandular secretions. Part of the underside of their feet can retract to act like a suction cup for extra grip. Now that’s impressive!
No need for sunnies’
When designated ‘watchman’ it is very important that Dassies are able to spot predators under the glaring African sun. They have evolved an iris that slightly protrudes over the pupil of the eye which acts like a built-in sun visor.
Hot then their cold…
Dassies have incomplete thermoregulation, they are unable to control their internal body temperature like other mammals. This means their body temperature fluctuates with the that of the environment. So when the ambient temperature is high in the day, they are active and at night Dassies require to cuddle .. well, lie on top of each other to keep warm.
They are pregnant for about 7 months!
This is incredibly long for such a small animal. Their gestation period is approximately 230 days and females give birth to 2-3 babies that a born with all their fur and can open their eyes right away.
Communal toilet
Dassies have latrines, where they deposit their faeces and urine at a fixed site. A latrine can be identified by the white deposits on the rock surfaces caused by crystallized calcium carbonate.
Come back next Friday for more interesting facts, #factfriday !
