The name dassie originates from the Dutch word das meaning badger. It was given to the rock hyrax (as it is more technically known) by the Dutch settlers which arrived in the Cape in the 1600’s an area riddled with dassies. They had never seen dassies before and the closest comparison they could make was with a European badger.
Size
50-55 cm long
Weight
3-4.5 kg, female slightly smaller than males
Lifespan
12 years
Habitat
Rocky hills and outcrops
Gestation
7.5 months
Number of young
1-6 (ave 2-3)
Food
Vegetarian mixed feeders – take grass and browse even aromatic and poisonous substances
Predators
Caracal, birds of prey especially black eagles, leopard
By Megan Emmett