Western Tree Hyrax (Dendrohyrax dorsalis) lives in montane forests across Sub-Saharan Africa. It feeds on leaves and fruits. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
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A dorsal scent gland runs along the centre of the western tree hyrax's back and can be as long as 70 mm. This gland is clearly visible because it is surrounded by a contrasting yellowish patch of fur. The prominent gland and its coloured fringe are key features used to tell this species apart from other hyraxes. Its size and placement are noted in detailed descriptions of the animal's anatomy.
The western tree hyrax climbs with remarkable ease thanks to black, pliant footpads that are covered in numerous ridges, giving it a strong grip on smooth surfaces. In captivity it has been seen scaling the edge of an open door and quickly climbing smooth tree trunks, showing how the footpads function in practice. Observers also noted that the animals use their teeth to hold onto wires and vines while climbing, adding extra support during ascent.
A distinctive white spot on the chin and a completely hair-free snout are hallmark markings of the western tree hyrax. Its ears are small and rounded, and on some individuals the tips are tipped with white, adding another subtle identifier. These traits, together with the chin spot, are used to separate this species from its close relatives within the same genus.
Pregnancy in the western tree hyrax lasts roughly eight months, after which the mother gives birth to a single youngster or a pair of twins. This long gestation is typical for the species, which usually lives a solitary, nocturnal lifestyle and feeds at night. The small litter size reflects the animal's strategy of investing considerable care in each offspring, a pattern noted in its description. The timing and number of young are consistent across its range.
At Bossou in Guinea a chimpanzee was observed capturing a western tree hyrax, carrying it to her nest, and sleeping with and grooming it, a behaviour that suggests the primate does not view the hyrax as prey. This is striking because the hyrax is otherwise targeted by a suite of predators, including hawks, leopards, servals, eagles, pythons and African golden cats, and is even occasionally hunted by humans.
Sources
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In the shadowy depths of Africa's forest canopies, the Western Tree Hyrax weaves a secretive existence, its large, round eyes watching the world with a quiet intensity as it navigates the labyrinthine network of branches with an almost ethereal agility. With each delicate step, its padded feet barely make a sound on the moss-covered bark, allowing it to move unseen and unheard through its arboreal realm. As it pauses to survey its surroundings, the hyrax's soft, woolly coat blends seamlessly into the dappled foliage, rendering it all but invisible in its treetop domain.
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