Hyrax are found all over Africa and in parts of the Middle East. They are an unusual mammal not necessarily because of what they look like, but more about who these animals are related to. That’s because they don’t look anything like their relations, especially in term of size and shape.
One can see Hyrax running all over the place in many African national parks, especially on rocks, such as the ones pictured below.
But what kind of animal do you think a Hyrax is related to? It’s not what you think upon first hearing it!
So are these animals related to a rat? A rabbit? A guinea pig? Maybe even an otter or a beaver?
Or possibly Queen Elizabeth’s corgis?
Have a closer look!
Hyrax – Mini Me Pachyderm!
No, these guys are related to an elephant! That’s right, these little critters are related to one of the biggest mammals in the world.
Hyrax inhabit mainly rocky terrain areas in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. These two specimens in the photo shown above were shot (I mean photographed!) at the superb Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
Hyrax usually form groups that include one dominant male (some guys have all the luck!). Other non dominant males live a solitary life and sometimes sneak the odd mate in with younger females (sly guys!). In the Serengeti National Park, it’s quite easy to spot Hyrax running all over the rocks and having a good time. They are relatively easy to spot from a distance in a safari car (judging by how close we managed to get to them), and they are an interesting animal to check out apart from trying to spot the Big 5!
So when you see a Hyrax, it’s not a big rat! It’s just like a small elephant! ;P
You find out more at What on Earth Is a Hyrax?
When I was in Israel last March, I saw hyraxes for the first time in Ein Gedi, Judean desert. I couldn’t believe they were related to elephants!
jen laceda’s last blog post..Found on El Malecon, Havana
You know there is something about Africa the does it for me. Its like no other place on earth. I’m yet to see a hyrax.