Rationale
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution within the assessment region, its occurrence in a number of protected areas (including Kruger National Park and Mapungubwe National Park), and because there are no major threats expected to cause population decline. Additionally, its distribution is connected with other range states through largely intact habitat. Its preferred habitat (rocky outcrops) is unlikely to be extensively transformed. Pending taxonomic resolution, this species (currently listed as the subspecies H. b. granti) may require reassessment if it is shown to be endemic to South Africa.
Regional population effects: There are habitat linkages with Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, and thus dispersal is probable (Barry & Shoshani 2000), and this species occurs in both the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park and Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Park. They are suspected to have adequate dispersal abilities (Hoeck 1982; Skinner & Chimimba 2005), and thus rescue effects are possible.
Distribution
Yellow-spotted Rock Hyraxes are endemic to the continent and extensively distributed across southern and East Africa (Skinner & Chimimba 2005; Barry & Hoeck 2013). Their range extends from the Limpopo Province of South Africa northwards to Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia (Barry & Hoeck 2013). Historical gene flow may have occurred between Mapungubwe and Matopos (Zimbabwe) (P. Bloomer unpubl. data), which may represent the range of H. b. ruddi. Northern Namibia needs to be investigated in terms of species identity, where individuals may belong to either Procavia or Heterohyrax. Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces mark the southern edge of its distribution. Across this range, they are limited to rocky habitats (Skinner & Chimimba 2005).
Population trend
Trend
They are widespread and common throughout East Africa, with population densities declining and distributions becoming more localized towards southern Africa (Barry & Hoeck 2013). Densities in the Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe ranged from 0.5â1.1 individual / ha from 1992â1996 (Barry & Mundy 1998). Similar densities are expected within South African protected areas. Rainfall and, to a lesser extent, predation appear to be the primary factors affecting population abundance (Barry & Mundy 1998). Population fluctuations have been shown to be annual (largely corresponding to rainfall) but not cyclical (Barry et al. 2015). Fossil remains indicate there were once hyraxes the sizes of oxen, which may explain its gestation period of seven or eight months, unusually long for an animal of its size.
Threats
There are no significant threats to this species. However, the expansion of human populations adjacent to protected areas (sensu Wittemyer et al. 2008) may lead to local decline due to hunting for meat and skins. Similarly, mining activities in the Limpopo valley may threaten local subpopulations through direct habitat encroachment or indirect disturbance. Previous observations have found that Rock Hyrax populations have been influenced by drought conditions by reducing fecundity (Barry & Mundy 1998). Yellow-spotted Rock Hyraxes respond behaviourally to heat stress, by seeking shelter in caves and crevices (Turner & Watson 1965) and, when necessary, are able to meet water requirements from browse material alone (Skinner & Chimimba 2005). However, increased aridity and prolonged drought conditions (through climate change) threatens to limit the availability of forage resources (Bartholomew & Rainy 1971). Additionally, the spread of disease is rapid among gregarious hyrax species and H. brucei is characterised as susceptible to viral pneumonia and tuberculosis (Sale 1969). For example, in the Serengeti an outbreak of mange eliminated an entire colony (Hoeck 1982).
The subspecies H. b. ruddi is not considered to be under any great threat throughout the region, and it is likely that populations are interlinked between those in Botswana and Zimbabwe (Barry & Shoshani 2000). In contrast, H. b. granti, which is endemic to South Africa, may be more threatened by such activities.
Uses and trade
Similar to P. capensis, it is hunted for meat and skins opportunistically. Their skins are used for blankets (karosses) in South Africa (Barry & Hoeck 2013). However, this is not considered to negatively influence population stability.
Conservation
Yellow-spotted Rock Hyraxes occur locally in a number of protected areas, including Kruger National Park and Mapungubwe National Park, and their associated transfrontier areas. At present, no specific conservation interventions have been identified. However, the expansion of protected areas and the implementation of biodiversity stewardship policies to safeguard primary habitats could significantly benefit Yellow-spotted Rock Hyraxes, and in particular the subspecies H. b. granti.
Recommendations for land managers and practitioners: This species may benefit from the establishment of buffer zones around primary habitats.
Research priorities: A taxonomic and genetic study would be valuable to resolve the taxonomy of the potential species complex. Additionally, survey studies are necessary to investigate the population density and range distribution of this species. Particular attention should be paid to H. b. granti as this subspecies is endemic to South Africa. Methods to estimate the area of occupancy of this species would also improve the accuracy of this assessment.
Encouraged citizen actions:
- Report sightings on virtual museum platforms (for example, iSpot and MammalMAP), especially outside protected areas.
- Avoid feeding or keeping as pets.
