Hyraxes
These herbivores are believed to share common ancestry with ungulates or possibly elephants and manatees. Six species of hyrax inhabit parts of Africa and the Middle East. Stocky and muscular with a thick neck, they have short tails and flat, almost hooflike nails on most of their digits, except for those on their inner hind toes, which are long and clawlike and used for grooming. Both the tree hyrax and the rock hyrax have poor thermoregulatory abilities; in inclement weather, they remain underground in their burrows, huddling together for warmth. When the hyrax engages in aggressive displays, a dark patch of hair on its back stands erect, exposing a gland — the function of which is unknown, but may be related to some recognition ritual.
The Hyrax Family Tree
order: hyracoidean
family: procaviidae hyraxes
