Szeged Wildlife Park welcomes hyraxes

Three male hyraxes (Procavia capensis) have arrived at the Szeged Wildlife Park in Hungary. Following the completion of their quarantine period, the animals are now available for public viewing in a shared enclosure with African vultures (Gyps africanus).

Hyraxes belong to a distinct order of mammals, with their closest living relatives being elephants and manatees. These small animals, measuring 45–55 centimeters and weighing between 2–5 kilograms, are native to much of Africa and parts of the Middle East. They are characterized by specialized foot pads for climbing rocky terrain and upper incisors that resemble small tusks.

In their natural habitat, hyraxes live in colonies within rocky crevices to protect themselves from predators and extreme weather. They are primarily herbivorous but occasionally consume insects and larvae. The species utilizes diverse vocalizations for communication and employs social behaviors, such as huddling together, to regulate body temperature in cooler conditions.