Rock Hyrax (Dassie)
The Sunbathers of the South Coast
The Dassie, formally known as the Rock Hyrax, is a familiar sight along the rocky shores and sunny garden spots of Pennington. Often mistaken for large rodents, these fascinating mammals are actually part of a unique order (Hyracoidea) and surprisingly share distant ancestry with the African Elephant.
Dassies are perfectly adapted to the KZN coastal environment, with rubbery pads on their feet that act like suction cups for navigating steep rocks. They are social animals, often seen basking in large groups to regulate body temperature. While charming, they are wild animals and integral to the local food web, serving as prey for Crowned Eagles.
Dassie Gallery
Living with Dassies
Dassies are a natural part of our coastal ecosystem. Coexisting peacefully is easy if we follow a few simple guidelines.
Coexistence Guidelines:
- Respect their Space: Dassies are accustomed to people but can bite if cornered. Observe from a distance.
- Garden with Care: If they eat your plants, avoid poisons. Plant unpalatable indigenous species (like Aloe) as a deterrent.
- Do Not Feed: Human food causes health issues and aggressive begging behaviour.
- Leash Your Pets: Keep dogs leashed near rocky areas to prevent chasing and injury to both pets and wildlife.