Mammals diurnal

Rock Hyrax

Procavia capensis

Meet the 'Dassie,' the small, furry rock-dweller that counts the elephant as its closest living cousin. These social sun-worshippers are the masters of the rocky outcrop, bringing a touch of ancient wildness to suburban gardens.

1 Sightings

1 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

30–58 cm (12–23 in) in length; weighs 4–5 kg (8.8–11.0 lb)

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Colors

Dull brownish-grey fur with paler undersides; a distinctive patch of black or yellowish hair covers a scent gland on the back.

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Key Features

Stocky, tailless body with a marmot-like appearance
Short, rounded ears and blunt snout
Three-toed front feet and four-toed back feet with flat, hoof-like nails
Prominent dorsal scent gland often marked by a different hair color

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 7-11 AM, 3-5 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet A generalist herbivore that grazes on grasses and browses on shrubs, forbs, and seasonal fruit. They are known to eat plants that are toxic to other animals.

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Habitat Rocky outcrops (kopjes), cliffs, and mountainous terrain; frequently found in suburban gardens with rockeries or stone walls.

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Behavior

Rock Hyraxes, affectionately known as 'dassies' in many regions, are highly social animals that live in colonies of up to 50 individuals. They are famously known as the closest living relatives to elephants, a fact evidenced by their unique teeth and bone structure. Despite this grand lineage, they spend much of their day engaging in the simple pleasure of sun-basking. Because they have a poor ability to regulate their body temperature, you will often spot them huddled together on warm rocks during the morning hours to soak up the heat.

Within the colony, there is a clear social hierarchy, usually led by a dominant male who keeps a watchful eye for predators like eagles or caracals. When danger is near, the sentry lets out a sharp, barking alarm call that sends the entire group scurrying into the safety of rock crevices. In suburban areas, they can become quite bold, frequently visiting gardens to graze on succulents or lawn grass, though they remain wary of sudden movements.

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Camera Tips

To capture the best footage of Rock Hyraxes, position your camera near prominent, flat-topped rocks that face the morning sun. These are their primary 'basking stations' where they congregate to warm up after a cold night. Set the camera at a low height—roughly 12 to 18 inches off the ground—and angle it slightly upward to capture their full profile against the rock surface. Since they are social, a wide-angle lens is preferable to capture the interactions between colony members.

Rock Hyraxes are creatures of habit and often use the same paths to move between their sleeping crevices and their feeding grounds. Look for 'latrines'—areas with white calcium carbonate staining on the rocks—as these are high-traffic zones. Placing a camera near these spots ensures regular sightings. While they don't require traditional bait, a shallow water bowl or a salt lick placed nearby during dry months can act as a significant draw for the entire colony.

Because they are diurnal and highly active in bright light, ensure your camera’s shutter speed is fast enough to avoid motion blur during their quick scurrying movements. If your camera supports burst mode, use it; capturing the sequence of a hyrax yawning (showing off its tusk-like incisors) or the dominant male letting out an alarm call makes for incredible footage. During the breeding season, keep an eye out for 'pups'—the young are born fully furred with their eyes open and are active on the rocks within hours of birth.

Similar Species

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

Yellow-spotted Rock Hyrax

Smaller than the Rock Hyrax with a distinctive pale yellow or white spot above the eye and a lighter-colored dorsal gland.

Tree Hyrax

Primarily nocturnal and arboreal; they have longer, softer fur and are usually heard making loud, screaming calls at night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rock Hyraxes are strictly diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. You are most likely to see them in the early morning and late afternoon when they bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature.

The best way to attract Rock Hyraxes is to provide a safe, rocky habitat. Large rockeries, stone walls with deep crevices, and a variety of succulent plants or lush grass will encourage them to visit. They are also drawn to reliable water sources like birdbaths placed near the ground.

They are generalist herbivores. In a backyard setting, Rock Hyraxes will eat lawn grass, garden shrubs, and are particularly fond of succulents. They have a high tolerance for various plant toxins, allowing them to eat things other garden visitors might avoid.

Yes, in many parts of Africa and the Middle East, Rock Hyraxes have adapted well to suburban life, provided there are rocky features or stone foundations for them to hide in. They are often seen on rooftops or garden walls.

The Rock Hyrax is easily distinguished from the Tree Hyrax by its diurnal habits (Tree Hyraxes are nocturnal) and its preference for rocks over trees. Compared to the Yellow-spotted Rock Hyrax, the common Rock Hyrax is larger and lacks the distinct yellow patch over the eye.

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