Djibouti: Rock Hyraxes
Djibouti is not known for its wildlife (except for the whale sharks in the Gulf), so it was an unexpected surprise to spot the adorable rock hyraxes – Procavia capensis – among the rocks and boulders not far from the beach. Plus some large ground squirrels, living side by side withe the rock hyraxes. Rock hyraxes are medium size furry animals that resemble marmots, but are actually distant relatives of elephants. They are found in South Africa and in the large swaths of Sub-Saharan Africa as well. Rock hyraxes are highly sociable animals, establishing large colonies, communicating with each other, and giving out mutual alarms and warnings.
