The
rock hyrax (
Procavia capensis), also known as the dassie, is one of four living species of the
hyrax order, Hyracoidea, and the only living species in its genus. Like all hyraxes, it is a medium-sized terrestrial mammal between 4 kg (9 lb) and 5 kg (11 lb) in mass, with short ears and tail. The rock hyrax is found across Africa and the Middle East, at elevations up to 4,200 metres (13,800 ft). It resides in habitats with rock crevices which it uses to escape from predators. Along with the other hyrax species and the
manatees, these are the living animals most closely related to the elephant. This rock hyrax was photographed near
Omaruru, Erongo, Namibia.
Photograph credit:Charles J. Sharp