The Bateleur Eagle and a Case of Rock Hyrax Nerves

Rock Hyrax, Procavia capensis, the only living relative of the elephant, showing a little tusk and a bad case of anxiety as he scans for predators.


Bateleur Eagle, Terathopius ecaudatus, scanning for food.

This large eagle is found in the Southern half of Africa. Could he be the reason our little Hyrax friend is so nervous about anything flying overhead? We watched as the Hyrax languidly stretched, testing the soft grass with his feet, luxuriating in the warm morning sun that had peaked through the clouds. He had barely nested down onto the sunny patch of grass when suddenly looked up at the sky in a look of near panic, his body tense, as he searched for danger (in this case, just a plane flying overhead). Then, as the drone of the plane grew nearer, the little hyrax dashed into the rocks with only a few bent blades of grass as proof that he was ever there.

Tell me more about African eagles (click here).

The Ever Elusive Rock Hyrax

Rock Hyrax, Procavia capensis. The Rock Hyrax is a shy little creature. You would never guess that it is the last closely related cousin of the bold and enormous elephant. They are native to Eastern and Southern Africa where they live in the protection and shelter of large rocks which shield then from the hot afternoon sun and hungry eagles. This little Hyrax has ventured out on a cool Winter day to bask in the sun. Shortly thereafter, a plane flew overhead which spooked our little Hyrax back into hiding.