Rock Hyrax (Dassie)

These creatures are some of the most abundant small mammals in Africa. They can be recognized by most indigenous or native tribes of Africa, whether in the Transkei of South Africa or the desert areas of Egypt. Population densities are just as high as their distribution is broad. In high-density areas like those around Mt Kenya, around 20 – 100 individual dassies inhabit every square kilometer. They are still a very stable species and an easy and pleasant sighting within the Kruger National Park.

They prefer rocky or mountainous areas or cliffs comprised of several large boulders with small openings or holes in and between them where they find shelter at night. They favor foods like fresh shoots of plants, berries, and sprouts, along with the usual herbivore's diet of grasses, shrubs, and leaves. The highest altitudes where they can be found, in Kenya, are 4300 meters above sea level. In the Kruger National Park, they live amongst compilations of large boulders in the middle of the savanna or grassland or small mountain ranges also inhabited by klipspringers and mountain reedbuck.

Rock dassies are group-forming animals, with some studies showing up to 2 groups of dassies within one square kilometer. Such a group mainly consists of females who mate with any male member of the group yearly, although there is usually a dominant male. Juveniles and pups can also be seen in some months of the year. Such a group finds refuge between large boulders or rocks or within small caves and holes in mountainous areas, where they try to avoid the many dangers on their daily paths.

Rock Dassies groom each other during the day, usually a very social activity, but their favorite activity to participate in as a group is sun basking. Many group members will lie in the sun on a big rock near their shelter while others look for predators. When looking for food, they typically go up to 50 meters from their shelter to find berries, citrus, and other fruits they eagerly eat. Their communication method of choice is vocal. They have over 21 calls that signal something, most notably a high-pitched shrill sent out when a predator attacks one of them.

Sixteen months is usually the age at which most rock hyraxes become sexually mature and can mate and contribute to the group's growth. Mating usually occurs between February and April. The reproductive organs of male dassies drastically increase in size during this time as a preparation for successful mating. Once a female conceives, a gestation period of 6 -7 months follows. Litters of 2 to 3 are born. In some groups, one dominant male has to mate with 17 females.

Dassies are some of the most preyed upon animals in any mountain biome. Leopards, caracals, and eagle species are usually among those who take advantage of their vulnerability. There isn't much they can do but keep their eyes open and inform others if a predator is seen to ensure the survival of the group or harem. When attacked, dassies typically run as fast as possible to the nearest shelter between rocks, not big enough for their predators. It is why they don't forage too far away from the shelter.