Want to know where and when to find Rock Hyrax? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.
Where to see Rock Hyrax in South Africa
Easiest first. Pick a park for when and where to look there.
About the Rock Hyrax
The rock hyrax is a small, stocky mammal found throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa and commonly associated with rocky hills, cliffs and outcrops. Despite its rodent-like appearance, it is more closely related to elephants and sea cows. It has a compact body, short legs, rounded ears and specialised rubbery foot pads that provide excellent grip on rocks. Rock hyraxes are primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, leaves, shoots and other vegetation, and live in social colonies where individuals cooperate in watching for predators.
How to identify the Rock Hyrax
Small, stocky mammal with a short tail, rounded ears, blunt nose and dense brown-grey fur. Often seen basking on rocks and has distinctive dark facial markings around the eyes.
Did you know?
Despite its appearance, the Rock Hyrax is more closely related to elephants and manatees than to rodents.
Also known as: Klipdassie, Rock Dassie, Dassie
Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for Rock Hyrax, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.