You NEED to see these THREE baby rock hyraxes! They’re small, furry and more closely related to the elephant than any other animal! Amazing hey? pic.twitter.com/P6vCfIdW79
— Chester Zoo (@chesterzoo) 23 August 2018
Each of the tiny triplets weigh no more than 250 grams – around the same as a mango! However, they are genetically more closely related to elephants than any other animal.
Just like their much bigger ancestors, rock hyraxes boast two large incisor teeth which constantly grow like tiny tusks, while the shape of their feet and their skull structure is also very similar to an elephant’s.
At birth, this amazing rock-climbing species are well developed, just like miniature adults.
As its name suggests, the rock hyrax lives in rocky terrain and can be found in large colonies across Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Also known as ‘rock rabbits,’ scientists believe they have their own form of language, communicating via 20 different noises with particular tones conveying different meanings.
The species has long been a point of study, helping researchers to learn about how different animals can evolve and adapt to the environments where they live.
Rock hyrax facts
- Rock hyraxes live in colonies of two to 26 individuals and to communicate with each other they make 20 different noises. They produce an episode of ‘harsh yips’ which build up to ‘grunts’ to defend their territory
- Hyraxes don’t need much water because they get most of it from their food
- Hyrax feet are built for rock climbing – the bottom of each foot is bare and has a moist, rubbery pad that provides a suction-cup effect to help the hyrax cling to rocks without slipping
- The zoo’s latest pups were born on 19/07/2018 and comprise of two males and one female
- When pups are born they look like miniature adults – born with their eyes and ears open and with the same furry coat
- Hyraxes have a special eyelid (called a nictitating membrane) for sun and dust protection; a bulge in each iris acts as a built-in sun visor.