Meet The Hyrax - Nature’s Unexpected Cousin of the Elephant! 🐘🪨

Meet the Hyrax, also known as rock rabbit, or rock badger

Don’t be fooled by its rabbit-sized appearance — the hyrax is a mammal more closely related to elephants than rodents! Native to Africa & the Middle East, these little creatures love rocky outcrops and sunbathing in tight-knit groups. Though they seem small & timid, hyraxes are highly social, vocal, & even have tusk-like incisors (just like their jumbo cousins!).

With padded feet that grip rock like suction cups & complex communication calls, the hyrax is a fascinating blend of ancient evolution & quirky behavior.

They make various sounds, such as a whistle that warns of danger & the males sing to announce their habitat.
The Hyrax feeds on plants & lives in groups in rocky areas. When they sleep & in times of danger, they all huddle in their burrows between the rocks, thus preserving body heat.

Recently, they have also begun to live inside settlements in artificial & deteriorating rock formations, but they can cause significant damage & be a general nuisance. (And they can be very aggressive if frightened)

Have you encountered a hyrax in
in a nature reserve or national park? Or maybe even on a street in your town?