Rock Hyraxes (Procavia capensis), elephant’s closest land relative, are grumpy little floofs with poor thermoregulation (the ability to regulate their body temperature). Luckily they are gregarious and to keep warm, pile on top of each other in burrows until the sun comes out, then take their cuddle puddle outside to bask in the sun together. These hyraxes were seen on a sunny, winter day in Israel at the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. In addition to the Middle East, hyraxes can also be found throughout the plains of Africa.

[Photo and caption by Karli Chudeau]

Reference:

Bartholomew, G. and Rainy, M. (1971). Regulation of Body Temperature in the Rock Hyrax, Heterohyrax brucei. Journal of Mammalogy 52: 81-95.

[Edited by Maggie Creamer]