Rock hyrax (Procavia capensis), Tarangire Sopa Lodge, Tarangire National Park, Manyara Region, Tanzania, East Africa.

A wild rock hyrax greets guests at Tarangire Sopa Lodge, Tarangire National Park, Manyara Region, Tanzania, East Africa. The rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) (also called dassie, doop, rock rabbit, and coney) is a medium-sized terrestrial mammal native to Africa and the Middle East. It is one of the five living species of the order Hyracoidea, and the only species in the genus Procavia. Rock hyraxes weigh 4–5 kg (8.8–11.0 lb) and have short ears. Rock hyraxes are found at elevations up to 4,200 m (13,800 ft) above sea level in habitats with rock crevices, allowing them to escape from predators. They live in groups of 10–80 animals and forage as a group, using sentries to warn of predators. They are usually most active in the morning and evening. Over most of its range, the rock hyrax is not endangered, and in some areas is considered a minor pest. In Ethiopia, Palestine, and Jordan, it is a reservoir of the leishmaniasis parasite. Along with other hyrax species and the sirenians, this species is the most closely related to elephants. Tarangire Park is famous for its high density of elephants and baobab trees. Tarangire River is the primary source of fresh water for wild animals in the Tarangire Ecosystem during the annual dry season.

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Contained in galleries: 2024 Feb AFRICA: TANZANIA, KENYA, VICTORIA FALLS, TANZANIA safari

A wild rock hyrax greets guests at Tarangire Sopa Lodge, Tarangire National Park, Manyara Region, Tanzania, East Africa. The rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) (also called dassie, doop, rock rabbit, and coney) is a medium-sized terrestrial mammal native to Africa and the Middle East. It is one of the five living species of the order Hyracoidea, and the only species in the genus Procavia. Rock hyraxes weigh 4–5 kg (8.8–11.0 lb) and have short ears. Rock hyraxes are found at elevations up to 4,200 m (13,800 ft) above sea level in habitats with rock crevices, allowing them to escape from predators. They live in groups of 10–80 animals and forage as a group, using sentries to warn of predators. They are usually most active in the morning and evening. Over most of its range, the rock hyrax is not endangered, and in some areas is considered a minor pest. In Ethiopia, Palestine, and Jordan, it is a reservoir of the leishmaniasis parasite. Along with other hyrax species and the sirenians, this species is the most closely related to elephants. Tarangire Park is famous for its high density of elephants and baobab trees. Tarangire River is the primary source of fresh water for wild animals in the Tarangire Ecosystem during the annual dry season.