Mammals diurnal

Bush Hyrax

Heterohyrax brucei

The Bush Hyrax is the ultimate rock-climbing socialite of the African savanna. Look for the white 'eyebrows' and sun-soaked colonies of these surprisingly elephant-related mammals.

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Quick Identification

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Size

32–47 cm (12.5–18.5 in) long; 1.3–4.5 kg (2.9–10 lbs) in weight

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Colors

Grayish-brown to olive-brown fur; creamy white or pale yellow spots above each eye; a patch of white/yellow hair on the back covering a dorsal gland.

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Key Features

Distinct creamy-white spots above each eye
Pointed snout with smaller ears than the Rock Hyrax
White or yellow patch of hair on the middle of the back
Unique padded feet with rubbery soles for climbing rocks

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet A specialized browser that eats leaves, buds, shoots, and fruits. They are agile enough to climb trees to reach succulent foliage.

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Habitat Rocky outcrops (kopjes), cliffs, and dry savanna with nearby trees or dense brush.

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Behavior

Bush Hyraxes are highly social, colonial mammals that live in groups ranging from small family units to colonies of dozens. Unlike their cousins, the Rock Hyraxes, they are agile climbers and are frequently found browsing in the branches of acacia trees or shrubs. They spend much of their day engaged in "thermoregulation," which involves huddling together on sun-warmed rocks in the early morning to raise their body temperature after a cool night.

A colony is typically led by a dominant male who acts as a sentry, emitting sharp, bird-like whistles or screams to warn the group of predators like eagles or leopards. They are remarkably peaceful neighbors and are often seen sharing rocky outcrops (kopjes) with Rock Hyraxes. Despite their rodent-like appearance, they share a surprising evolutionary lineage with elephants and manatees, evidenced by their specialized teeth and foot structure.

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Camera Tips

To capture the best footage of a Bush Hyrax, you need to think like a sun-bather. Identify the flat, east-facing rock surfaces where the colony gathers to bask shortly after sunrise. Mount your camera at a low height—roughly 12 to 18 inches—to capture them at eye level. Using a wide-angle lens is ideal for these spots, as it allows you to record the fascinating social huddling and grooming behaviors of the entire colony rather than just a single individual.

Because Bush Hyraxes are browsers rather than grazers, look for "browse lines" on nearby bushes or trees where the leaves have been stripped. Placing a camera near a low-hanging acacia branch or a well-used trail between their rocky den and their favorite feeding shrub is a high-probability strategy. You can also look for "latrines," which are areas of rocks stained white by their concentrated urine; these are frequented daily and make excellent locations for consistent sightings.

These animals have incredibly keen eyesight and are wary of new objects. When setting up your camera, use natural camouflage like small stones or local brush to break up the silhouette of the device. Since they are active during the day, ensure your camera’s trigger speed is set to its fastest setting. Hyraxes are famous for their "bolt-to-cover" reflex; at the first sign of a shadow or a strange sound, they will vanish into a rock crevice in milliseconds. A fast trigger ensures you catch the action before they disappear.

During the dry season, water becomes a major draw. If you have a small birdbath or a natural seep near a rocky area, aim your camera there. While they don't need much water, a reliable source will bring them in like a magnet. Use a "Burst Mode" setting to capture several photos in a row, which helps in identifying the specific creamy spots above their eyes, distinguishing them from the similar-looking Rock Hyrax in your post-capture review.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Bush Hyrax.

Rock Hyrax

Larger and more heavily built with a blunter snout; lacks the white eye-spots and prefers grazing on grass.

Tree Hyrax

Primarily nocturnal and solitary, living almost exclusively in trees rather than rocky outcrops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bush Hyraxes are diurnal, meaning they are active during daylight hours. They are most frequently seen in the early morning (7-10 AM) and late afternoon (4-6 PM) when they emerge from crevices to bask in the sun and forage for food.

If you live within their range, you can attract Bush Hyraxes by providing rocky terrain, such as stone walls or rock piles, and planting native browse-friendly shrubs like acacia or hibiscus. They value safety and vantage points above all else.

The Bush Hyrax is primarily a browser. They eat a variety of leaves, twigs, bark, and fruit from trees and shrubs. Unlike the Rock Hyrax, they rarely eat grass and are comfortable climbing trees to find the best foliage.

Yes, they are quite adaptable and frequently inhabit suburban gardens in Africa that feature rocky landscaping or are located near hillsides. They can become habituated to human presence but will remain wary of domestic dogs and cats.

The easiest way to tell them apart is by the face: Bush Hyraxes have distinct white or creamy spots above their eyes (like eyebrows), whereas Rock Hyraxes do not. Bush Hyraxes also have a more pointed snout and a different colored dorsal patch.

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