Procavia

Procavia is a genus of small to medium-sized mammals belonging to the order Hyracoidea. These animals are commonly known as hyraxes, specifically the rock hyraxes. There are three recognized species within the genus Procavia: Procavia capensis (the rock hyrax), Procavia ruficeps (the red-headed rock hyrax), and Procavia habessinica (the Abyssinian hyrax).

Procavia species are native to Africa and the Middle East. They are herbivorous, feeding primarily on grasses, leaves, fruits, and flowers. Their bodies are stocky with short limbs and a very short tail. A distinctive feature is their continuously growing incisor teeth, similar to rodents, although they are not closely related. They possess specialized, padded soles on their feet that allow them to grip rock surfaces effectively, enabling them to navigate steep cliffs and rocky outcrops where they typically live.

These social animals live in colonies, often consisting of a dominant male, several females, and their young. They are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day. Procavia hyraxes are known for their alarm calls, which they use to warn their colony of approaching predators. Their predators include birds of prey, large cats, and snakes. Despite their rodent-like teeth, they are taxonomically grouped with elephants and manatees, sharing a common ancestor.