Rock hyrax

Rock hyraxes grow to about 30 to 60 cm long

Image: Amada44, own work, Public Domain (PD-self), via Wikimedia Commons

A small animal scurries around on a hot rock. It is a rock hyrax. It has soft brown fur, round ears and nimble paws. It looks like an oversized guinea pig. But first impressions can be deceiving.


The rock hyrax, also known as a dassie, is actually related to elephants and manatees. It is perfectly adapted to life among the rocks. It is found on the African continent in South Africa, Namibia, Kenya and Ethiopia. A rock hyrax grows to about 30 to 60 cm long and weighs 2 to 5 kilograms. Its fur is brown or grey and looks somewhat shaggy. It has short legs, small ears and black, button-like eyes. Its paws have special pads that help it climb smooth rocks.


Rock hyraxes live together in groups of 10 to 80 animals. They like warm weather and enjoy sitting in the sun during the day. At night or when danger threatens, they hide in rock crevices or caves. Rock hyraxes usually give birth to one to four young. The babies are already well developed at birth and can soon climb around with the group.


They eat grass, leaves, fruit and sometimes bark. Since they drink little water, they get most of the moisture they need from their food. Birds of prey, snakes, leopards and other predators can pose a danger to them. The animals then warn one another with loud calls and quickly flee to their hiding places.

Find out:

  1. What are rock hyraxes also called?
  2. Where are rock hyraxes found?
  3. How long and how heavy do these animals get?
  4. Why are they good at climbing rocks?
  5. How many rock hyraxes live together in a group?
  6. Where do they hide at night or when they’re in danger?
  7. What do rock hyraxes eat?
  8. Which animals could be dangerous to them?