By Dr. Barbara Lundrigan and Gretchen Yurk
Geographic Range
The tree hyrax inhabits mainly forest areas forming a band across mid-Africa extending from the eastern to the western coast.
Habitat
Tree hyraxes inhabit various regions ranging from wooded areas and savannas to coastal dunes and tropical rainforests.
Terrestrial Biomes:
savanna or grassland 
; forest ; rainforest ; scrub forest .
Physical Description
(2.2 to 11 lbs; avg. 6.6 lbs)
This rodent-looking mammal has short ears and legs, thick, soft fur with gray-brown to black colorings. The hyrax has a distinct patch of lighter colored hair on its back which covers a scent gland and bristles when the animal is excited or mating. Typically the tree hyrax is about 1-2.5 feet in length, has a height at the shoulders of 10-12 inches.
Some key physical features:
endothermic ; bilateral symmetry .
Reproduction
The tree hyrax has an unusually long gestation period for its size; ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 months. Sexual maturity is reached around 16 months of age. Litter sizes of 1-2 are common, unlike the larger litters of other hyraxes. The young are born fully furred and rather large. By the age of one day they are competent climbers. There is little data on the mating systems of these animals due to their nocturnal lifestyle, however it is believed that within the small groups there is one dominant male and the rest of the males form bachelor herds.
Key reproductive features:
gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual .
Behavior
These mammals are nocturnal and usually live a solitary life. There are some exceptions where they live in small family groups. Vocalization is a very important method for transferring information in these animals. They are known for their very loud and piercing contact calls that are generally made after dark when the hyrax is leaving to forage.
Key behaviors:
motile .
Food Habits
Unlike the other species of hyrax, the tree hyrax is a nocturnal forager. It is mainly herbivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits, bark, twigs, and grasses as well as an occasional insect.
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
The soft furs of the eastern tree hyrax are sold for a high price value in many regions.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: [link]:
Least Concern.
US Federal List: [link]:
No special status.
CITES: [link]:
No special status.
The status of the tree hyrax is said to be rare. Although not endangered, they are thought to be threatened due to habitat destruction.
Other Comments
Despite their rodent-like appearance the hyrax have been placed in their own group due to their unique characteristics. However, their closest relatives are believed to be Proboscidea (elephants). Both have developed a pair of upper incisors that are used as defensive tusks. Secondly the hyrax had flat nails on their feet that resemble the hoofs of elephants. According to amino acid sampling, these two groups are closely related as well.
Contributors
Dr. Barbara Lundrigan 
(author), Michigan State University. Gretchen Yurk (author), Michigan State University.
