Tree hyrax
The tree hyrax or tree dassie is a small nocturnal mammal native to Africa. Distantly related to elephants and sea cows, it comprises the four species in the genus Dendrohyrax, one of only three genera in the family Procaviidae, which is the only living family within the order Hyracoidea.
| Tree hyraxes | |
|---|---|
| Western tree hyrax, Dendrohyrax dorsalis | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Hyracoidea |
| Family: | Procaviidae |
| Genus: | Dendrohyrax Gray, 1868 |
| Type species | |
| Hyrax arboreus A. Smith, 1827 | |
| Species | |
The four species are:
| Image | Common Name | Scientific Name | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern tree hyrax | D. arboreus | East and Southern Africa | |
| Eastern tree hyrax | D. validus | East Africa. | |
| Benin tree hyrax | 'D. interfluvialis | West Africa. | |
| Western tree hyrax | D. dorsalis | West and Central Africa | |
Analysis of calls found that they could be divided into 'shrieking' hyraxes and 'barking' hyraxes, with the barkers being a genetically distinct fourth species.
The tree hyrax has four-toed front feet and three-toed back feet with rounded nails, and rubbery soles that help it climb.
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