The rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) or Cape hyrax is one of the four living species of the order Hyracoidea, and the only living species in the genus Procavia. Like all hyraxes, it is a medium-sized (~4 kg) terrestrial mammal, superficially resembling a guinea pig with short ears and tail. The closest living relatives to hyraxes are the modern day elephants and sirenians. The rock hyrax is found across Africa and the Middle East, in habitats with rock crevices in which to escape from predators. Hyraxes typically live in groups of 10–80 animals, and forage as a group. Their most striking behaviour is the use of sentries: one or more animals take up position on a vantage point and issue alarm calls on the approach of predators.
Over most of its range, the rock hyrax is not endangered, and in some areas is considered a minor pest. In Ethiopia, Israel and Jordan, they have been shown to be a reservoir of the leishmaniasis parasite.
Thanks to Wikipedia for a description of the Rock Hyrax. Click here for the Link.
We have seen the Rock Hyrax in Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and also in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
For more information about Ein Gedi
- Arabian Babbler
- Davids Cave – Ein Gedi Nature Reserve – Dead Sea – Israel
- Dead Sea – Ein Gedi
- Ein Gedi – Dead Sea
- Ein Gedi Nature Reserve – Dead Sea – Israel
- Ein Gedi – Tour Group – Inner Faith Travel – October-November 2011
- Nubian Ibex
- Rock Hyrax
For more information about Ein Gedi