Yellow-spotted Rock Hyrax
Heterohyrax brucei
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Hyracoidea · Procaviidae
About
The yellow-spotted rock hyrax or bush hyrax is a species of mammal in the family Procaviidae. It is found in Angola, Botswana, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, southern Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Somalia, northern South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Its natural habitats are dry savanna and rocky areas. Hyrax comes from the Greek word ὕραξ, or shrew-mouse.
Fun Fact
Yellow-spotted rock hyraxes look like large guinea pigs but are genetically among the closest living relatives of elephants — their toenails, teeth, and internal anatomy reveal this surprising kinship.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Rocky outcrops
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
10-12 years
Threats
- Habitat Loss
- Climate Change