Rock Rabbit
The South African Rock Rabbit (Cape hyrax) is the same size as a rabbit. They are compact animals with a short snout, small ears, short legs and a short tail. The coat is made up of a fine inner coat and a rougher outer coat and can vary in colour from grey to brown. The soles of the feet are provided with numerous sweat glands and can be pulled together as to form a suction cup. It provides rock badgers a firm footing on rocks and tree trunks.
The front teeth in the upper jaw are pointy and slightly curved. Like in rodents, the teeth grow the whole life and are missing enamel on the back to sharpen them as they wear. In spite of the rodent like features, cut badgers are not related to rodents, nor badgers. The closest living relative of the Rock Rabbit is the elephant.
The Rock Rabbit are widespread in Africa south of the Sahara Desert. They are excellent climbers and they feed on leaves, grass and fruits. As an adaption to the heat, they can concentrate its urine enough to make water needs minimal.
The South African rock rabbit are active during the day. They live in family groups of one dominant male, 3-7 females and the offspring. The Rock Rabbit is the primary food source for many birds of prey, and is also prey for predators like jackal, Caracal and Leopard.
It is recommended to shoot this wild species with a shotgun or .22 Magnum.
Side By Side Safaris exclusive hunting lodge is located in the middle of a hunting area for Rock Rabbit and they can be hunted directly from the lodge.
Facts
NAME: ROCK RABBIT
SCIENTIFIC NAME: PROCAVIA CAPENSIS
WEIGHT MALE: 4 KG
WEIGHT FEMALE: 4 KG
BODY LENGTH MALE: 50 CM
BODY LENGTH FEMALE: 50 CM
