Mammals
Tree Hyrax
Dendrohyrax · also called tree hyraxes
In the dark of an African forest, a tree hyrax lets out a long, rising scream that rolls through the canopy, an unexpected sound from a small, rabbit-sized mammal whose closest living relatives are elephants.
Overview
The tree hyrax, genus Dendrohyrax, is a small herbivore native to forest habitat across parts of western, central, eastern, and southern Africa. Its eerie night calls, tree-climbing foot pads, and unlikely kinship with elephants make it one of the most unusual small mammals of the African forest.
A small animal with a giant’s relatives
For all its modest size, the tree hyrax belongs to a lineage whose closest living relatives are elephants and manatees, an evolutionary link that is far from obvious from its looks.
Status
Least Concern, widespread across suitable forest habitat, though individual species vary and some local populations are hunted.
Tree Hyrax: common questions
Is the tree hyrax related to rodents?
No, hyraxes are not rodents; their closest living relatives are elephants and manatees.
Why does the tree hyrax scream at night?
Males give a long, rising series of shrieks and screams after dark, a call that carries through the forest and helps advertise territory.
How does the tree hyrax climb?
It has moist, rubbery pads on its feet that grip bark and branches, letting it climb confidently in the canopy.
Where is the tree hyrax found?
It is native to forest and rainforest habitat across parts of western, central, eastern, and southern Africa.