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Hyrax

Hyraxes are small, stocky herbivorous mammals in the order Hyracoidea and the family Procaviidae.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Hyraxes are small, stocky herbivorous mammals in the order Hyracoidea and family Procaviidae. Modern hyraxes live in Africa and the Middle East and are often mistaken for rodents, though they are more closely related to elephants and manatees.

Taxonomy

Hyraxes belong to the mammalian order Hyracoidea and family Procaviidae. Modern classifications recognize them as a small group of Afrotherian mammals with several living species.

Physical characteristics

Hyraxes are compact, fur-covered animals with short tails, short legs, and rounded ears. They typically measure around 30 to 70 cm in length and weigh about 2 to 5 kg.

Habitat and distribution

Modern hyraxes live in Africa and the Middle East. Different kinds occupy rocky areas, hills, forests, and trees depending on the species.

Diet and behaviour

Hyraxes are mainly herbivorous and eat plant material such as leaves, bark, and grasses. Some species are social and diurnal, while tree hyraxes are typically more solitary and nocturnal.

Key facts

  • Hyraxes are small mammals in the order Hyracoidea and the only living family is Procaviidae.
  • They are native to Africa and the Middle East.
  • Hyraxes have thickset bodies, short tails, and rounded ears.
  • Most hyraxes are herbivores, feeding on leaves, bark, grasses, and other plant matter.
  • They are superficially similar to rodents or rabbits but are not closely related to them.
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Canadian context

Hyraxes are of interest to Canadian readers mainly through zoology, wildlife education, and comparative mammal evolution. They are sometimes discussed as an example of how appearance can differ from evolutionary relationship.

Frequently asked questions

What is a hyrax?
A hyrax is a small herbivorous mammal in the order Hyracoidea and the family Procaviidae.
Where do hyraxes live?
Modern hyraxes are found in Africa and the Middle East.
Are hyraxes rodents?
No. They resemble rodents or rabbits in appearance, but they are a separate mammal group more closely related to elephants and manatees.
What do hyraxes eat?
Hyraxes mainly eat plant material such as leaves, bark, and grasses.
How big is a hyrax?
Most modern hyraxes are about 30 to 70 cm long and weigh about 2 to 5 kg.
What are other names for hyraxes?
They are also called dassies, conies, and, for some species, rock hyraxes or tree hyraxes.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/hyrax
    Supports: Hyraxes as small hoofed mammals native to Africa and extreme southwestern Asia.
  2. Animal Diversity Web — https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Hyracoidea/
    Supports: Taxonomy, diet, body characteristics, and geographic distribution of hyraxes.
  3. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyrax
    Supports: Common names, typical size, family placement, and modern species overview.
  4. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyrax
    Supports: Definition and physical description of hyraxes.