FAQ: What is a hyrax?

Unofficially? 

I live with them all around me.  But I am no scientist.  Here is what I know...

A hyrax is its own species - it certainly isn't a rodent.  It's actually closest on the taxonomic heirarchy to an elephant and a sea manatee.  

They grow to about the size of an american football.  People say they live to be as old as between 10 and 20 years.  They only live in the Middle East and Africa.  

They are not endangered.  

As far as I can tell there are three main types around here.  Rock Hyrax, Bush Hyrax and Tree Hyrax.  I think there are more sub-species in other parts of the world.