This species has a wide distribution in Africa from the northern parts of South Africa (Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces) northwards to Ethiopia and Sudan; there is a disjunct population in the west-central Angola (H. b. bocagei) (Barry and Shoshani 2000; Barry and Hoeck in press) and an apparently isolated population in south-western Democratic Republic of Congo (H. b. chapini). References to this species in Algeria and Egypt are in error, and both relate to confusion with P. capensis (Hoffmann, M., Hoeck, H.N. and De Smet, K. unpubl.).

The yellow-spotted hyrax occurs from South eastern Egypt to Central Angola and Northern South Africa.

Biogeographic Regions: ethiopian (Native )

Yellow-spotten Hyrax have a coat of thick, short, coarse fur. They range from 305- 380 mm in length, and they have no external tail. They resemble a guinea pig in appearance, but they are very different from caviomorph rodents. The feet of the hyrax are specialized in ways that allow these animals to locomote easily on slick rocks. The soles of their feet are naked, and are kept moist by the secretions of specialized glands. In addition, the musculature of the foot contracts the foot into a cup like shape. The net result is a suctioncup-like effect. The hyrax can cling with remarkable power to the rocky substrates they inhabit.

Average mass: 2456.7 g.

Average basal metabolic rate: 3.872 W.

Habitat and Ecology

Systems

• Terrestrial

The yellow-spotted hyrax is found exclusively in rocky areas. Colonies occur on rocky kopjes, rocky hillsides, krantzes, and in piles of loose boulders. They are typically found in mountainous regions at elevations of about 3800 meters.

Terrestrial Biomes: savanna or grassland ; scrub forest ; mountains

The yellow-spotted hyrax is a generalist browser. It eats many different types of vegetation. In Zambia, a colony was reported in which individuals ate primarily the leaves of the bitter yam. This plant is typicaly used by the native in the area to make poison arrows. In Kenya, these animals have been reported to rely heavily on grasses during the wet season.

Average lifespan

Status: wild: 14.0 years.

Observations: Estimates that these animals live up to 14 years in the wild are likely overestimated (Bernhard Grzimek 1990). One study in the wild reported an average longevity for females of little over 4 years while males appear to live even less (Ronald Nowak 1999). Not much is known about their longevity in captivity, but one animal lived for 11.8 years (Richard Weigl 2005). Because of these conflicting reports, maximum longevity must be classified as unknown.

The yellow-spotted hyrax breeds at the end of the wet season (April - June). The gestation of seven and a half months produces 1-4 young. The precocious young are born in a fur lined nest, and are capable of following adults around within several hours of birth.

Average birth mass: 225 g.

Average gestation period: 229 days.

Average number of offspring: 1.9.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male)

Sex: male: 494 days.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)

Sex: female: 494 days.

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

Population

Population Trend

Major Threats

Conservation Actions

Humans eat hyrax when other food animals are scarce. The meat is reported to be tough and chewy, however, so Hyrax are eaten only when necessary.