Hyraxes

Hyraxes are small to medium-sized mammals belonging to the order Hyracoidea. Despite their rodent-like appearance, they are actually most closely related to elephants and sirenians. There are three extant species of hyrax, all of which are native to Africa and the Middle East. The rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) is the most widespread, inhabiting rocky outcrops and cliffs. The tree hyrax (Dendrohyrax) is arboreal, living in forests. The yellow-spotted hyrax (Heterohyrax bruceii) is found in rocky habitats similar to the rock hyrax but with a more restricted range.

Hyraxes are herbivores, primarily feeding on grasses, leaves, fruits, and bark. They are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and often bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature due to their relatively poor thermoregulation. Their social structure varies, with rock hyraxes living in colonies led by a dominant male. They communicate through a variety of vocalizations, including alarm calls and chirps.

A unique physiological characteristic of hyraxes is their specialized feet, which have leathery pads that help them grip slippery rocks, allowing them to navigate steep and challenging terrains with agility. Their front teeth are continuously growing, similar to rodents, although this is an example of convergent evolution. Hyraxes play a role in their ecosystems as herbivores and as prey for various predators.