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Rock #Dassie – now known as Rock #Hyrax (Procavia capensis). This small, plump and tail-less guinea-pig-like animal is about as large as a big rabbit.

What is a Dassie?
The Dassie - now known as the Rock Hyrax is a medium-sized terrestrial mammal native to Africa and the Middle East. It is the African #elephant's closest living relative, in spite of the size difference. This close evolutionary relationship is deduced from similarities in the structure of the feet and teeth.

Diet
What do Dassies eat?
The Rock Hyrax feeds on vegetation matter. It is a mixed feeder, but prefers grass when available during rainy seasons. However, during dry periods, it will consume any plant material available. Plants considered highly toxic and aromatic, mosses and liver-worts can be utilized by #dassies during periods of drought stress.

Breeding
Young are born during early summer after a gestation period of seven months. Some females can conceive before they are a year old. Litters normally vary from two to three young. One dominant male monopolises up to 17 females in a harem group. Solitary mature males live on the periphery of such harems.

Behaviour
Rock Hyrax like basking in the sun on large rocks, particularly during mornings and late afternoons. Rock Hyrax are heavily prayed upon by eagles, Caracal and Leopard.

Where Rock Dassie Are Found
As indicated by the vernacular name, Rock Dassie preferred habitat is rocky area's throughout Southern Africa. Rock Hyrax are agile tree dwellers where large trees occur near cliff faces.



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