Bush hyrax
Heterohyrax brucei
Key identification features
All hyraxes are small, rabbit sized brown animals with short ears, short legs and without a visible tail. On the middle of their back there is a patch of fur concealing a naked glandular area. The bush hyrax is relatively small, has a pointy snout and has a small pale spot above the eyes. HB 40-57 cm. Wt 2.15-3.25 kg.
Habitat and social behaviour
They live in colonies of up to 34 animals and are active during the day. They shelter mostly on rocky outcrops and browse in trees. Bush and rock hyrax sometimes have joint colonies.
Similar species
The rock hyrax is more heavily built then the bush hyrax and does not have a paler underside and generally lacks the pale spot above the eyes. Rock hyrax’s only feed on grass. Tree hyraxes are nocturnal and live in much smaller groups in trees.
Distribution Map
Historical Distribution Map
References for historical distribution map
Photo gallery
See also
Southern tree hyrax · East African tree hyrax · Rock hyrax · Western tree hyrax