The Rock Hyrax

This cute little creature looks like a rodent but it's actually more closely related to the elephant! Rock hyraxes, also called the cape hyrax, have long, pointed incisors that are comparable to tusks and project over their lower lips. 

These animals can be found in holes in rocky areas across much of Africa, and can live at elevations over 4,000 feet. They live in groups of up to seven related females. The groups huddle together for warmth because they are not able to regulate their body temperatures as well as other mammals. They are good climbers. They like to rest and hide in rock crevices, usually with another hyrax standing watch. Rock hyraxes eat fruit, shrubs and grasses. Their predators include Arabian leopards, Egyptian cobras, rock pythons, African wild dogs and birds of prey. The Verreaux's eagle is a specialist when it comes to hunting hyraxes.

Their hind feet are equipped with a sharp inner claw. Hyraxes also have long hairs along their backs, similar to whiskers, that help them feel in dark spaces. They have rounded ears, black noses and pale fur around their dark eyes. They can grow up to 21 inches long and weigh 4 to 12 pounds. In some areas, rock hyraxes are considered minor pests. 

Cool Fact: Hyraxes have a brown scent gland on their backs used to mark trees and rocks to communicate with other hyraxes!