Hyrax
Hyrax
Almost all hyraxes are limited to Africa; the exception is the rock hyrax (P. capensis) which is also found in adjacent parts of the Middle East.
Characteristics
Hyraxes retain or have redeveloped a number of primitive mammalian characteristics; in particular, they have poorly developed internal temperature regulation, for which they compensate by behavioural thermoregulation, such as huddling together and basking in the sun.
Characteristics
Unlike most other browsing and grazing animals, they do not use the incisors at the front of the jaw for slicing off leaves and grass; rather, they use the molar) teeth at the side of the jaw. The two upper incisors are large and tusk-like, and grow continuously through life, similar to those of rodents. The four lower incisors are deeply grooved "comb teeth". A diastema) occurs between the incisors and the cheek teeth. The permanent dental formula for hyraxes is 1.0.4.32.0.3-4.3 although sometimes stated as 1.1.4.32.1.4.3 because the deciduous canine teeth are occasionally retained into early adulthood.
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