The story of the Rock Hyrax
#KeWildlife – Story 7
It’s said that over fifty million years ago before evolution took its toll, there were few species roaming the earth. As time went on and seasons changed so did the offspring of the species, and other species were born while others died or became extinct. Evolution of species resulted in the variety we have today.
One particular species that is common today is the Procavia capensis or Rock Hyrax or Pimbi in Kiswahili.
The rock hyrax is native to over 25 African countries and is the elephant’s closest living relative. One might wonder how a rabbit look-alike is related to one of the world’s largest mammals. Well, hear it from us, the hyrax and the elephant are relas!
Although the rock hyrax is small in nature, evolution history claims that the birth and death of new species from common ancestors plus the seasonal change is what caused the difference in appearance. Additionally, interactions with varying environments played a big role in affecting the species phenotypes – the outward appearance.
The order in which hyraxes and elephants evolved remains unclear because of the mitochondrial, molecular, and other genetic evidence points in more than one direction.
The rock hyrax is so small, it weighs slightly more than – if not the same as a newborn – between 2 and 5kgs to be exact. It has no tail but its feet have a rubber-like texture that helps them climb steep rock surfaces and trees. Speaking of rocks, that’s where this type of hyrax is mostly found – on the dry rocks of the savanna. Just travel to Taita Taveta county and you will spot a cluster of rock hyrax without even trying. They’re known to be in plenty within both the Tsavo East and Tsavo West National parks.
You may, however, need to carry a pair of binoculars because for a small animal, the hyrax moves at 18kph – but if you do come across a group lounging on a rock, they could be waiting for their cousins, the elephants, so that they can possibly hold a family meeting? We can’t be certain.
