Main Characteristics

Southern Tree Hyraxes have a body length between 40 and 70 cms (16 - 28 inches) and they weigh between 1.5 and 4.5 kgs (3.25 - 10 lbs). They have short, soft grey/brown fur with a paler coloured underside. On their back, near their rump, they have a scent gland that is covered in yellowish hair.

They have small, rounded ears, short legs and they use loud, piercing calls to communicate with each other.

Habitat

Southern Tree Hyraxes are found in the forested areas of east and southern Africa. They spend most of their time up in the trees and they make a den in a tree hole or a nook between branches. They are mainly solitary, but sometimes they can be found in pairs, and they have a home range up to 2,800 sq metres (30,000 sq ft).

Diet

The diet of a Southern Tree Hyrax consists of a wide variety of vegetation including leaves, shoots, buds, twigs, fruit and seeds.

Breeding

After a gestation period of 7 months, 1 - 2 young hyraxes are born. At birth they are well developed and they weigh approximately 380 g (13.4 oz). Southern Tree Hyraxes reach sexual maturity at approximately 12 months old.

Predators

Predators of Southern Tree Hyrax include birds of prey, leopards, lions, jackals, feral dogs, snakes and humans.

Subspecies

Subspecies of the Southern Tree Hyrax include:

Dendrohyrax arboreus arboreus
Dendrohyrax arboreus stuhlmanni
Dendrohyrax arboreus ruwenzorii
Dendrohyrax arboreus aldofi-friederici
Dendrohyrax arboreus crawshayi

Interesting Facts

Southern Tree Hyraxes are also known as:
Southern Tree Dassie
Eastern Tree Dassie
Eastern Tree Hyrax

Hyraxes are within the group of mammals known as Afrotheria, as are elephants, elephant shrews, aardvark and dugong and manatees.

Similar Animals

Western Tree Hyrax
Cape Hyrax
Yellow-Spotted Rock Hyrax