Want to know where and when to find Southern Tree Hyrax? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.
Where to see Southern Tree Hyrax in South Africa
About the Southern Tree Hyrax
A guinea pig-like relative of the rock hyrax, but strictly arboreal and nocturnal, living in hollow trees and dense forest canopy rather than among rocks. It has long, soft grey-brown fur, a paler underside, and white-fringed ears. Its extraordinary shrieking territorial call, built up into a rising crescendo, is heard mainly at night and is one of the most distinctive sounds of southern and eastern African forest.
How to identify the Southern Tree Hyrax
Guinea pig-like build with grey-brown fur and white-fringed ears; almost always heard rather than seen, with a loud rising shriek at night distinguishing it from the silent, diurnal, rock-dwelling Rock Hyrax
Did you know?
Despite its dumpy build it is an extremely agile climber, "bouncing" rapidly along branches and pausing between bursts of movement to reach cover quickly.
Also known as: Tree Dassie, Boomdassie
Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for Southern Tree Hyrax, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.