western tree hyraxScientifically referred to as the Dendrohyrax dorsalis, the western tree hyrax belong to the Procaviidae family and is differentiated from other Hyrax Species by its short course fur, absence of hair on the rostrum, the availability of white patch of fur under the chin along with the lower crowns of the cheek teeth as normally encountered on safaris in Uganda.
Regarding the behavior, the western tree hyraxes are noted to be solitary and rarely appear in groups of three or two. They are nocturnal species and greatly feed at night. Also to note about them is that they are skillful climbers where in captivity have been observed to climb to the top edge of an open door with no difficulty as well as being able to scale quickly on the trucks of trees. The tree hyraxes are enabled to climb by their pliant black footpads featuring counts of ridges. In captivity, they have been observed making use of their teeth to hang on vines and wires as they attempt to climb.
Regarding the range and habitat, the western tree hyrax is noted to exist in Sub Saharan Africa in the countries of Cameroon, Benin, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Senegal, South Sudan, Uganda, Togo, along with Niger. The natural habitats of tree hyrax include savannah, Sub tropical or the tropical moist lowland forests and rocky areas.
Regarding the predators, the tree hyrax is prone to leopards, eagles, servals, hawks, golden cats and pythons. On rare occasions, the tree hyrax is hunted by humans for food. In Uganda, tree hyraxes are popularly encountered in Kibale National Park and Rwenzori National Park while on Uganda safaris.