Wild Facts

Photo by D. Gordon and E. Robertson

Can you believe it is Wednesday already? Well, actually it is still Sunday night as I am writing these posts ahead of time since I will be working in the field Monday and Tuesday.  Wow this is weird since it feels as if you are in the future reading this Wild Fact.  All right, I am done babbling.  Can you tell that I am getting tired? Today’s futuristic Wild Fact will be on an interesting little mammal called the Hyrax.  This is truly an unique mammal so sit back and enjoy.

The Hyrax, also known as a rock rabbit, is unlike any other animal which is why it gets classed in its very own special Order.  Believe it or not the elephant is the nearest living relative of this peculiar animal.  I know I don’t see it either. This relationship is in a weird, round about way since the hyrax, elephants and sea cows had a common ancestor way back when. Okay, so we know they are obscurely related to elephants but what else makes these animals so unique.  You will soon see why the Hyrax is unlike any other animal.

The Hyrax is a small furry mammal that sort of resembles a large, pudgy hamster.  They have no tail and stumpy toes with hoof-like nails. While we are talking about their toes I guess I should mention that they have four toes on their front feet but only three on their hind feet. You starting to see why they don’t fit in with other animals? Not yet, okay! Well the bottom of their feet also have a rubber-like texture which allows them to easily climb rock cliffs and trees.  Unlike more advanced mammals the Hyrax has poor internal temperature regulation which means they have to rely on huddling together and basking in the sun to stay warm.

Photo by Yair rand

So let’s see, these animals have characteristics similar to rodents, rabbits, ungulates and reptiles.  I think this is why they are in an Order all by themselves.  I told you they were unique little creatures.

Hyrax Fast Fact – So now that you are impressed with the Hyrax you want to go and find one.  Well you need to head over to Africa and the Middle East to catch a glimpse of these guys.

Well folks, that is all for today.  I should be back to civilization by now so it will be a “live” Wild Fact tomorrow.  Have a good one!

Photo by: Mark A. Chappell

I hope everyone is well rested and enjoyed their nice and sunny weekend.  Well, it was at least sunny in Whitehorse so I am assuming it was nice everywhere in the world.  Today we are going to learn about a little animal that is related to rabbits and hares.  In fact the Pika has often been referred to as the “Whistling Hare” or the “Rock Rabbit”.

So what is a pika and why haven’t we heard of these little animals before.  Granted, some of you may have heard of them but for arguments sake, I don’t think they are the most popular animal in the world.  As I mentioned, they are related to the rabbits and hares but they prefer to live in the cold climates of Asia, North America and Europe.  They are usually found on mountains amongst the rocks.  Why would anyone want to live on a mountain? Besides the amazing views of the country side, there are fewer predators living at the higher altitudes.  This would be a great advantage to an animal that is only 20 cm (8″) long.

The pika is a solitary animal that will protect their special territory from intruders.  If another pika “accidentally” wanders into the wrong neighbourhood, they will get an ear full.  The pika will whistle to warn the intruder and I am not talking about them whistling Dixie.  It is a loud shrill which must really get the attention of every pika in the area since they all have large, rounded ears which are excellent for hearing.  As you may have guessed, it is this whistling that has caused the nickname “whistling hares”.

As you can imagine the winters can be harsh for any animal living high up in the mountains so how do these little critters cope with the cold.  Well, they aren’t lucky enough to sleep through the winter like some animals.  To keep warm through the long winter months the pika will gather hay for their burrows.  They create this insulation by collecting fresh grasses and stacking them to allow the grass to dry out.  They take the dried grass back to their burrow and use it as insulation.  I wonder if the business-savy pikas collect additional grass and sell it to the lazy pikas just before winter?

I hope you all enjoyed the Pika Fact!  Have a great day!