How long does a dassie live for

There are currently more than three colonies and an unknown number of individuals living in the Garden and they are often seen lazing around or feeding behind the Herbarium Building on most sunny afternoons. There is a lot of information about dassies available on websites and scattered in books and only some of the main points of interest are included here. Dassies are generally small up to mm long and 4. The rough coat is brownish-grey with lighter patches above the eyes and a patch of long, black hairs in the centre of the back.

The dassie is considered to be the closest living relative of the largest land mammal, the African elephant, and also of the manatee and dugong. The most convincing evidence for these relationships is based on DNA.

There is currently only one species of Procavia recognised, but two other hyrax species, the yellow-spotted hyrax, Heterohyrax brucei Gray, and the southern tree hyrax, Dendrohyrax arboreus A.

Smith, also occur in South Africa. However, these two species have much more restricted distributions. There is only one other species of Hyracoidea, the western tree hyrax, Dendrohyrax dorsalis Fraser, , which occurs in Western and Central Africa.

Dassies have four short legs with padded feet, which have glands that produce a secretion that keeps the feet permanently moist. This moisture helps them to quickly climb up very steep rocks and tree trunks and branches. Dassies seldom move more than 50 m from their sleeping place.

Dassies communicate using a wide range of sounds including growls, squeals and snorts. An older female or male in the colony makes a sharp bark when there is perceived danger and this usually results in the colony members diving for cover amongst the rocks where they live. The strange repetitive barking sound that they make is usually a male advertising his territory during the breeding season.

Adult dassies have a dorsal gland, which is situated on their back in the region of the long black hairs, which lie over the gland. The gland is about 1. This gland produces secretions that give the dassies their characteristic odour, and it is probably used by males for marking their territory, and for enabling recognition amongst individuals. Dassies have a wide distribution range in Africa and the Middle East, but they are restricted to areas where there is suitable habitat and so their distribution is patchy.

In South Africa, dassies occur from Cape Town to the northern-most borders of the country in areas where there are suitable habitats. Craving a wild night out? A beach bar in Paarl! Pizza, beach vibes, cocktails, and stunning views, the recipe for a perfect day.

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Tree hyraxes feed primarily on leaves and fruits. Hyraxes are very adaptable. In East Africa, they are found at sea level and at altitudes of more than 4, meters 14, feet. Their habitats range from dry savanna to dense rainforest to cold Afro-alpine moorland.

Unleash more canine heroes to save elephants. Donate now. Learn how we're protecting Africa's species each and every day so we never have to live in a world without elephants, rhinos, and other precious wildlife. Breadcrumb Wildlife Conservation Hyrax. What is a hyrax? Scientific name. About 4 to 5 kilograms 8 to 11 pounds. About 30 to 50 centimeters in length 11 to 20 inches. Life span. Up to 12 years in the wild; average 8.

Dry savanna to dense rainforest to rocky outcrops. Leopards, lions, hyenas, pythons, large birds, servals, jackals, parasites. There are more than. Breeding occurs depending on geographical location. Gestation period lasts for - days, yielding babies in a rocky crevice. Newborn young are well-developed, starting to move around with ease by the second day of their lives. At 3 - 4 days old, they are ready to eat food, whereas solid food is included into their diet during the first 2 weeks.

Weaning occurs at 3 months old. The age of sexual maturity for this species is 16 months old. However, young hyraxes attain their adult size and weight only after 3 years old. The Rock hyraxes currently face habitat loss across much of their original range due to land clearing for agriculture as well as increased development of human settlements.

In many areas of its range, the Rock hyraxes are considered pests due to damaging crops. As a result, in South Africa, there have been campaigns, intended to cull this species. In other areas such as Egypt, these animals are hunted for their meat.

According to IUCN, the Rock hyrax is abundant in some areas and widely but no overall population estimate is available. However, this species is currently classified as Least Concern LC and its numbers remain stable. As a key herbivore of its range, the Rock hyrax controls growth of local vegetation. In addition, this animal is an important prey species for leopards, wild dogs, raptors and other predators. Procavia capensis. Population size. Life Span. Photos with Rock Hyrax.

Distribution The natural range of Rock hyrax covers a huge territory, including most of sub-Saharan Africa except for the Congo basin and Madagascar and north-eastern Africa, stretching eastwards to the western and southern coasts of the Arabian Peninsula. Geography Continents. Africa, Asia.