Western tree hyrax facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Western tree hyrax |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Dendrohyrax
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| Species: |
dorsalis
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| Western tree hyrax range | |
The western tree hyrax (Dendrohyrax dorsalis) is a small, furry mammal. It is also known as the western tree dassie or Beecroft's tree hyrax. These animals are related to elephants and manatees, even though they look a bit like large guinea pigs! You can tell them apart from other hyraxes by their short, rough fur. They also have a white patch of fur under their chin.
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What Does It Look Like?
The western tree hyrax looks a lot like a big guinea pig. Its body, from head to tail, is about 440 to 570 mm (17.3 to 22.4 in) long. It has a short, stubby tail. Its fur is thick and rough. Most hyraxes are dark brown or blackish. Some have a few yellowish hairs mixed in. Rarely, you might see a pale one with cream-colored fur.
These animals have long, sensitive hairs, like whiskers, all over their body. Their snout has no fur. Their ears are small and round, sometimes with white tips. There is a white spot on their chin. In the middle of their back, they have a special scent gland. It can be up to 70 mm (2.8 in) long. This gland is surrounded by a patch of yellowish fur.
How Do They Behave?
Western tree hyraxes usually live alone. Sometimes, you might find them in small groups of two or three. They are nocturnal, which means they are active at night. They mostly look for food when it's dark.
This species is a very good climber. They can easily climb up the side of an open door. They can also quickly climb smooth tree trunks. Their black, flexible footpads help them climb. These pads have many ridges, which give them a good grip. Hyraxes in zoos have even been seen using their teeth to hold onto wires and vines while climbing.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
A female western tree hyrax is pregnant for about eight months. She usually gives birth to one or two babies at a time.
Where Do They Live?
The western tree hyrax lives in West and Central Africa. You can find them in many countries. These include Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Togo, and Uganda. They might also live in Niger.
Their natural habitats are warm, wet lowland forests. They also live in moist savanna areas and rocky places.
Who Are Their Neighbors?
Many animals hunt the western tree hyrax. These predators include eagles, leopards, hawks, servals, pythons, and golden cats. Sometimes, humans also hunt them for food.
In a place called Bossou, Guinea, something interesting happens with chimpanzees. One chimpanzee was seen catching a western tree hyrax. She carried it to her nest and even groomed it! This suggests that chimpanzees in Bossou might not see hyraxes as food.
