What kind of animal is a hyrax? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. The Cape Hyrax is very famous and is often kept in zoos, but there are other subspecies as well. And are they an endangered species? We will also introduce them to you, so please use them as a reference.
What is Hilux? About basic status
The hyrax is a mammal that belongs to the Hyraxidae family of the order Apocalyptiformes. The body length is 40-50 cm and the weight is 2.5-5 kg. The scientific name is Procavia capensis. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | ハイラックス |
| English（英名） | Hyrax |
| scientific name(学名) | Procavia capensis |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Hyracoidea、 Procaviidae 哺乳綱、イワダヌキ目、ハイラックス科 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（体長） | 40～50cm |
| Weight（体重） | 2-5kg |
About classification
This is the only mammal belonging to the Hyrax family. The following variants exist:
- キノボリハイラックス属 Dendrohyrax
Dendrohyrax arboreus ミナミキノボリハイラックス Southern tree hyrax
Dendrohyrax dorsalis ニシキノボリハイラックス Western tree hyrax - イワハイラックス属 Heterohyrax
Heterohyrax brucei キボシイワハイラックス Yellow-spotted hyrax - ハイラックス属 Procavia
Procavia capensis ケープハイラックス Rock hyrax
About habitat
Hyraxes live mainly in southern Africa.
- Geographic Distribution
Major Regions: African Continent and the Middle East
Specific Distribution:
All of Sub-Saharan Africa
Part of the Arabian Peninsula
Mountainous, rocky, and savanna areas
- Habitat Characteristics
Rocky Areas/Cliffs:
Hide in rock crevices and caves
Safe places to protect from predators
Forests/Savannas:
Feed in trees and shrubs
Live hidden in rocky areas and holes, even in open grasslands
Water Sources:
Independent of water; can obtain moisture from leaves and plants
Adapted to dry areas
- Habitat Conditions
Safe hiding places are essential
Areas with forageable plants
Environments where they can live in groups
Live in groups in rocky areas and caves
Adapted to a wide range of habitats, from high-altitude mountainous areas to dry savannas
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
Hyraxes are primitive animals with characteristics similar to elephants and are not rats. There is a scent gland (dorsal gland) on the back, and the forelimbs have four fingers. There are three toes on the hind legs. Like elephant tusks, the upper incisors continue to grow throughout life. They are relatively small animals and usually spend their time secretly hiding in cracks in rocks. Because they have a weak ability to regulate their body temperature, they tend to raise their body temperature by sunbathing or huddled together, or lower their body temperature by hiding behind rocks.
- Physical Characteristics
Physique
Body Length: Approximately 30-50 cm
Weight: Approximately 2-5 kg
Small and stocky
Coat Color
Mostly brown, gray, or light brown
Some species have stripes or spots on their backs
Head/Face
Round face, short ears
Large eyes, giving an inquisitive impression
Legs/Feet
Padded soles allow them to walk easily on rocky areas and cliffs
Small, dexterous front paws allow them to grasp plants
Tail
Depending on the species, tail is absent or short
- Behavior/Personality
Activity Period
Diurnal (active during the day)
Feeds and rests during the day
Personality
Highly curious and cautious
Highly social, lives in groups
Group Life
Gathers in small groups (approximately 5-30 individuals) around rocky areas or caves
Keeps watchful of others and warns of danger with calls
- Ecological Characteristics
Diet: Herbivores, leaves, fruit, bark, etc.
Defense:
Protect themselves from predators (birds of prey, snakes, carnivorous mammals) by hiding in rock shelters or caves.
Standing guard in groups, they quickly hide when they sense danger.
Adaptations:
Ability to move skillfully over rocky areas and cliffs.
Ability to survive in arid and water-scarce environments.
What is your personality like?
Hyraxes are said to be very small animals, and they are wary and timid. However, when attacked by a foreign enemy, they become very aggressive and may bite you with their sharp incisors, threatening you.
Hyrax Personality Traits
Curious and observant
Interested in their surroundings and other animals
Keeps watchful of rocky areas and caves as they move
Highly cautious
Sensitive to predators (birds of prey, snakes, carnivorous mammals, etc.)
Quickly hides in the shade of rocks or caves when sensing danger
Communicates with other members of the herd by vocalization
Social and prefers to live in groups
Live in small groups (5-30 individuals)
Students stay alert and keep watch over each other to ensure safety
Often rest close together
Gentle and non-aggressive
Generally gentle and rarely fights
Responds to danger or stress by fleeing
Activity Patterns
Diurnal and active during the day
Alternates between feeding and resting
Regulates body temperature by sunbathing on rocky areas
What is the ecology like?
Hyrax eat grass, fruits, and flowers. Breeding occurs once a year, and the timing varies by region. The gestation period is about 7 months, and the lifespan is said to be about 10 to 15 years.
- Lifestyle
Living in groups
Group sizes are around 5-30 individuals
Group members keep watch over each other and detect danger early
Diurnal
Forage and move during the day
Rest and regulate body temperature during the day
Using hiding places
Use rock crevices, caves, and tree holes as shelter
Essential for protection from predators
- Diet
Primarily herbivorous
Eats grass, leaves, bark, and fruit
Little dependent on water; can obtain moisture from plants
Foraging Behavior
Groups often forage together
Eat in safe places while moving
- Breeding and Rearing
Breeding Season
Breeding is possible throughout the year
Gestation Period
Approximately 7-8 months
Giving Birth
1-3 cubs
Raised by the mother within the group
Growth of Cubs
Soon after birth, they accompany their mother and the group
Learn to forage independently within a few weeks
- Adaptations and Behavior
Defends against predators
Hides in rocky areas and caves
Stands watch in groups and warns of danger with calls
Environmental Adaptations
Adapts to a variety of environments, including hot, dry areas, mountains, and rocky terrain
Can maneuver skillfully across rocky areas and cliffs
Are there any natural enemies?
Hyraxes are said to be very small creatures, and they have many natural enemies such as lions, jackals, snakes, and owls. Because it is so small, it is actually full of external enemies.
About Hyrax Baby Animals
This article provides a detailed overview of the characteristics and developmental stages of Hyrax baby animals.
- Birth
Gestation Period: Approximately 7-8 months
Litter Size: Usually 1-3 pups
Newborn Characteristics:
Weight: Approximately 50-150 g (depending on species)
Body Length: Approximately 10-15 cm
Fur is short and lighter in color than the mother
Pups are often born with their eyes open, allowing them to quickly recognize their surroundings
- Relationship with Mother
They spend time with their mother immediately after birth
They stay safe under the protection of the pack
The mother keeps them warm by licking and cuddling them
- Growth and Behavior
A few days to a few weeks after birth:
Rests near their mother
Learns hiding spots in rocky areas and caves
2-3 weeks after birth:
Begins foraging on their own
Accompanies the pack
1-2 months after birth:
Fully adapts to the pack
Learns how to sense danger and hide from their mother and the pack
- Characteristics
Personality: Curious and observant
Defense: Protected by their mother and herd, they are protected from predators.
Adaptations: Quickly adapted to life in rocky areas and caves.
Is the hyrax an endangered species?
None of the subspecies are currently endangered. Therefore, the population is relatively stable.
- Global Conservation Status (IUCN Red List)
Species Classification (Threat Level) Comments
Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis) LC (Least Concern) Widely distributed in southern and eastern Africa, populations are relatively stable.
Tree Hyrax (Dendrohyrax spp.) LC (Varies by species, but mostly stable) Adapted to forested and arboreal habitats, populations are relatively stable.
Other rare species (e.g., mountain hyrax) Some NT (Near Threatened) May be declining due to habitat loss or localized hunting.
Key Points: Common rock hyraxes and tree hyraxes are not endangered and populations are stable.
Some species in limited habitats may be Near Threatened (NT).
- Factors of Extinction Risk
Habitat Destruction: Agricultural land development and deforestation
Hunting Pressure: In some areas, extermination is carried out for food or as a pest
Local Population Decline: Particularly in mountainous and limited rocky areas
- Conservation Status in Japan
No natural distribution
Very few captive specimens
Keeping for research or educational purposes is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and other regulations.
Can you keep a Hyrax as a pet?
It is possible to keep them as pets. However, it is not easy to bring them into your home as a pet. This is because they have an aggressive personality, which makes them quite difficult for ordinary people. Obtaining a Hilux is not easy. Since it is rarely available for purchase at your local pet store, please inquire at the zoo. Once you enter the park, you will be given information about events within the park, so we recommend that you first interact with the exhibits and admire them when you have time.
Temperature control is essential
Hiluxes are not good at regulating their body temperature. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the temperature above 25 degrees during the day and around 20 degrees at night using air conditioners, heaters, and fans. For this reason, it is necessary to protect it indoors.
hideout
Hyraxes usually tend to hide in rock crevices. You will need a hideout. Set up something inside the cage that will serve as a hiding place. Please also prepare bedding materials.
pet food
Hyraxes like grass, fruits, plants, and flowers. Even in captivity, fresh vegetables and fruits that can be purchased at supermarkets are appropriate.
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