habitat_narrative
Terrestrial
The Yellow-spotted Rock Hyrax is predominantly diurnal, highly gregarious and exhibits behavioural thermoregulation (Bartholomew & Rainy 1971). Similar to, and often in association with Procavia capensis, the Yellow-spotted Rock Hyrax occupies rocky habitats, including outcrops, cliffs and piles of boulders (Barry & Shoshani 2000; Barry & Hoeck 2013). However, in contrast to P. capensis, outlying or isolated rocky outcrops are less likely to be occupied by this species (Smithers & Wilson 1979; Skinner & Chimimba 2005). Yellow-spotted Rock Hyraxes and Rock Hyraxes often coexist within the same crevices, and are seen basking together on rocky outcrops (Skinner & Chimimba 2005), but no interbreeding occurs between the species since both their mating behaviours and the anatomy of their sex organs differ. This heterospecific behaviour is considered beneficial for the avoidance of predators by increasing group size, and consequently improving vigilance, particularly when offspring are present (Barry & Mundy 2002). Births are often associated with peaks in rainfall. They are predominantly browsers, but are known to infrequently supplement their diets with grasses (Hoeck 1975). The bulk of their diets consist of leaves, stems, flowers, fruit and bark. They are cautious feeders, stopping on each mouthful to scan the surroundings and make short foraging trips close to their family base. Barry and Hoeck (2013) and Barry and Shoshani (2000) provide comprehensive reviews of its ecology and characteristics. The very prominent distinguishing features are the white eyebrows, grey colour and the yellow hairs surrounding the dorsal spot, although the latter is variable across their broader distribution. They also have a rounded head and blunt nose that is pointed and rodent-like, which helps in identifying this species.
Ecosystem and cultural services: It is a primary prey species for a range of predators, including the Verreauxâs Eagle (Aquila verreauxii), Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) and other raptors, as well as terrestrial species such as Leopard (Panthera pardus), Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) and African Rock Python (Python sebae) (Turner & Watson 1965; Hoeck 1982). Adult hyrax species comprise more than 84% of the prey biomass for a diverse range of predators in Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe (Barry & Mundy 1998).
An association with H. brucei has been found to benefit the survival success of young P. capensis, as H. brucei often browse in trees and consequently act as sentinels, warning both species of impending danger (Barry & Mundy 2002).
