rock:dassies
Rock Dassie also known as a Cape Hyrax.
Appearance
The dassie 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
The Rock Dassie 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 Dassies like basking in the sun on large rocks, particularly during mornings and late afternoons. Dassies are heavily prayed upon by eagles, Caracal and Leopard.
Where they are found
As indicated by the vernacular name, its preferred habitat is rocky area’s throughout Southern Africa. Dassies are agile tree dwellers where large trees occur near cliff faces.
rock:dassies
Rock Dassie also known as a Cape Hyrax.
Appearance
The dassie 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
The Rock Dassie 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 Dassies like basking in the sun on large rocks, particularly during mornings and late afternoons. Dassies are heavily prayed upon by eagles, Caracal and Leopard.
Where they are found
As indicated by the vernacular name, its preferred habitat is rocky area’s throughout Southern Africa. Dassies are agile tree dwellers where large trees occur near cliff faces.