HYRAX (Neo-Lat., from Gk. Oat,. mouse). A general name for a suborder (Hyraeoideal of small peculiar ungulate mammals comprised in a single genus and family (Proeavia, Procavihhe), whose species are locally called 'conies,' 'dainau•,' and 'rock-rabbits.' Some fourteen species are known in Southwestern Asia, and in Eastern and Southern Africa. Although having the size and superficial appearance of rodents, and long so con sidered, Cuvier pointed out their essential agree ment, in dentition and anatomical characters. with the ungulates. The molars are quite similar to those of the rhinoceros, but the upper jaw has two incisors curving downward, and during youth two very small canines, the lower jaw four inci sors without canines. The skull, also, and other bones resemble those of the rhinoceros. The muzzle is short and pointed ; the ears short and round. The ribs are more numerous than even in the rhinoc eros-21 pairs, a number exceeded in no quad rupeds except the sloths, whereas no rodent has more than 15 pairs. The toes are united by the skin, as in the elephant and rhinoceros, and round and soft, merely protected in front by a broad nail, which does not reach the ground. The legs are short. The tail is a tubl.rele. bodies are clothed with thick. uniformly dark brown hair, except that it is discolored around a curious gland near the middle of the back, which is naked in several species.
The habits of all the conies (except the tree hyraces ) are much alike. The typical Abyssin ian species live in rocky or stony places, in com munities, like rabbits, and make their homes in holes under rocks or in a rocky watercourse. They seen; to be mainly nocturnal and feed at night or in the early morning on leaves and young shoots of trees and bushes. In daytime they lie on rocks in the shade until toward noon, when they are likely to retire to their holes. They are very timid, and disappear when they are in the least danger. The only sound they seem to make is a shrill squeak when suddenly alarmed. This description will remind the reader
of the closely similar helm vim' of the pikas (q.v.) of the Rocky Mountains, often called 'conies! Mosely speaks of 'a short. hissing noise.' as the alarm cry of the Cape hyrax. All climb about smooth rocks with wonderful agility, which is explained by soft, almost suction-giving pads on the soles of their feet. (Consult Schweinfurth, Ileart of Africa, vol. i.. Leipzig. NTS.) The species longest known is the only Asiatic one (Prom via Sy•ica), which inhabits Arabia. Syria, and Palestine. and is the animal called 'cony' in the ordinary version of the Bible, for which the Syrian name is 'clanian.' It was among those animals prohibited to the Israelites under the mistaken belief that. they chewed the cud ; but they are now eaten by the Arabs, though not regarded as very palatable by Europeans. Sev eral species inhabit. Ahyssinia and East A ice. down to Mozambique; and Cape Colony and Natal are the home of a kind (Procaria Capen sis) having very fine, soft. brown fur, with the spot on the ball.; black. which is familiar to the English colonists under the names `roek-badger' and -roek-raWt,' and to the Dula as `dasse! They are often tamed as pets.
Three species of the genus Dendrohyrax, which live in East and West Equatorial Africa. differ de eidedlv from other conies by the habit of spending their lives and making their breeding nests in holes in trees. These three species agree in that the females have but a single pair of teats (other hyraces have three pairs), and the West Coast one is remarkably large and furry, so that its skin is of much value as material for cloaks.
Consult, for systematic revision of the order, Thomas. "On the Species of the Ityracoidea," in Proceedings of The Zoological .Sucicly of London (London, 1892.).