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Potty trained :)


Potty trained :)
Photo Information
Copyright: Gerhard Theron (gerhardt) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1976 W: 259 N: 4103] (11585)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-05-13
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Canon EOS 300D, Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS USM, Digital ISO 100, Hoya UV-Guard (77mm)
Exposure: f/8, 1/250 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2005-05-16 4:48
Viewed: 1491
Points: 52
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Rock hyrax
Procavia capensis

The hyrax is so unlike other animals that it is placed in a separate order (Hyracoidea) by itself. It is said to be the elephant's nearest living relative. This is true to a certain extent, but misleading since the relationship stems from a remote ancestor common to hyraxes, sea cows (dugongs and manatees) and elephants. These three are unlike other mammals, but they share various if disproportionate physiological similarities in teeth, leg and foot bones, testes (that do not descend into a scrotum) and other more obscure details.

Hyraxes are very adaptable. In Africa they live at sea level and up to altitudes of over 14,000 feet and in habitats ranging from dry savannah to dense rainforest to cold Afro-alpine moor land.

Rock hyraxes spend several hours sunbathing in the mornings, followed by short excursions to feed. They eat quickly with the family group facing out from a circle to watch for potential predators, feeding on grasses, herbage, leaves, fruit, insects, lizards and birds' eggs. After biting off a mouthful of grass or leaves, the hyrax looks up and cautiously checks the vicinity. If the territorial male gives the shrill shriek of alarm, the hyraxes jump or scuttle to cover where they remain frozen, without moving, until the danger has passed. They can go a long time without water, apparently obtaining enough moisture from their food.

Rock hyraxes bear two or three young, which are so fully developed they can run and jump about an hour after birth. Although suckled until 3 months old, the young begin to eat vegetation by their second day. The young of all females in a family group often gather in a nursery group. The tree hyrax has fewer young (one or two at the most) than rock hyraxes, but they have many similar behaviours traits, such as always defecating and urinating on the same spot.

Hyraxes are preyed upon by leopards, pythons, large birds, caracals, servals and civets. They protect themselves from smaller predators by biting, but escaping to hiding places among the rocks is their best defence.


Did you know…
Fossil remains indicate there was once hyraxes the size of oxen. This may explain its gestation period of 7 or 8 months, unusually long for an animal of its size.

Rock hyraxes live in groups with one territorial male and up to 20 female and their young. Several groups may live in one area, but each male defends his territory from other males.

It is very difficult to get close to these critters in the wild. The scurry off at the slightest sound or movement. With the winter here I guess they are cold and wanted to get the last rays of sunlight before nightfall.
dew77, red45, Janice, sAner, Robbrown, JeanMichel, Runnerduck, coasties, puffy, Comandante, TAZ, tzeybek, Violetteddy, liquidsunshine, thistle, marhowie, eev, Callie, greghume, scottevers7, Esox, deud, naki has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • dew77 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4774 W: 294 N: 4020] (13209)
  • [2005-05-16 4:53]

hello Gerhard!
Wonderful pair.White teeth,details,colors and composition are perfect.TFS...

  • Great 
  • red45 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2705 W: 74 N: 8864] (30243)
  • [2005-05-16 4:57]

Great capture Gerhard! I don't know why exactly [probably of their two fangs] they're look little psycho for me ;-) Psycho and fat :-) I like warm colours and light. Very interesting note as always.

Hi Gerhard!!!
Cute photo! You have to post your photos oftener. I miss it!

  • Great 
  • Janice Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3315 W: 148 N: 6113] (18648)
  • [2005-05-16 5:12]

This is a new animal for me Gerhard. The elephant's nearest living relative?? Yes, I can see the similarity:) To me I think they look more like rodents.
Good capture and I like the light in this shot (Close to sunset I see), showing the critters' teeth and fur so well. Well composed too. Thank you.

  • Great 
  • sAner Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1490 W: 72 N: 1427] (4744)
  • [2005-05-16 5:13]

Hello Gerhard!

These fella's are funny looking critters. :) They have funny looking teeth! Your photo is very nice, details are sharp, colors beautiful, light is warm and the composition is very good. I love the catchlight in the eyes of your subject. Very well done & TFS!

Regards.
Pieter

Superbly informative note Gerhard to accompany a very nice picture, we see the animals clearly and get a good hint for the BG as to their habitat. Well deserving of being one of the better posts here on TN so educational as well as entertaining. TFS

Amazing creatures. Great note Gerhard, very informative.
Excellent image, lots of detail, light is great too.
Thanks for posting.

Very cute ones, Gerhard. Good you had them together in such a good evening light. I've learned something with your interesting note.
Elephants? ... Reminds me the story of the mouse running fast on a dusty path with a baby elephant, stopping to look backwards and saying :"Hey, my friend, did you notice how much dust both of us are creating?"

  • Great 
  • puffy Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 291 W: 0 N: 339] (1351)
  • [2005-05-16 6:35]

Hi Gerhard, look like you got two new friends, they are so cute, very cute couple. Nice composition, great colours and DOF. Thanks for sharing. :-)

Hi Gerhard!
Wonderful shot.Lighting and composition are perfect.
Thanks for sharing!

  • Great 
  • TAZ Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2241 W: 47 N: 3167] (10926)
  • [2005-05-16 7:51]

Belle et intéressante composition photographique bien réalisée pour ce superbe couple de rongeurs. Jolies couleurs chaleureuses et bonne netteté.
Interesting & Well Done !

it is very nice that you have cought the light in thier eyes.. very informative also..

Excellent image! Details are very sharp and DOF is just perfect. I love the warm tone of the evening light.

Belle photo Gerhard et excellente note.
Bravo !
Nico.

Excellent capture Gerhard,
Great composition, detail and colours.
Very good notes. The light is nice and warming and DOF is spot on.
Thanks for posting

Great post Gerhard!
I've seen these fellows in TV - really interesting animals.
The look really great and the capture is very interesting.
I like it very much.
Well done!

Gerhard, This a gem! This is a fantastic POV. Really like the "Leave it to Beaver" chompers I see here..Very detailed and sharp, warm light and an excellent setting, Very well done my friend!
P.S. I've got my own rock hyrax shot but it does not compare - not even close!

  • Great 
  • jossim Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1575 W: 5 N: 2181] (12252)
  • [2005-05-16 22:17]

Une belle présentation, la netteté et l'exposition est excellentes.

Félicitations !!!

These guys don't have to sing 'All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth'. Strange looking critters. Not sure if I think they are cute or not. I guess if I have to think, then it's a 'not'. Good POV and interesting note. Nice as always Gerhard. Thanks.

  • Great 
  • livios Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2156 W: 322 N: 4258] (16906)
  • [2005-05-17 12:25]

Gerhard, you did great. As usual, great sharpness. Excellent pov and composition. I like colors too: a warming atmosphere.

  • Great 
  • Callie Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1132 W: 105 N: 2609] (7531)
  • [2005-05-17 13:55]

Hi Gerhard
I think these two need a good orthodontist - maybe Jean Michel can assist? Pragtige twee dasse! And the note is super, I have learnd some more - TFS

Great capture and note, Gerhard. It must have taken great patience to get this one. I admit to being unfamiliar to the species until now.

Gerhard, This is an excellent photo with excellent notes. Thats what makes this site so enjoyable..Your work is always in that excellent catagory...I always learn something new..Thanks....

  • Great 
  • Esox Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 239 W: 20 N: 344] (972)
  • [2005-05-19 12:13]

Very cute composition.
Look like vampire rats!
Superb details, warm colours.
Very well done, as usual.

  • Great 
  • deud Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 440 W: 10 N: 504] (2372)
  • [2005-05-20 9:20]

very intresting animals! so cute. great light, colour palette, DOF.

  • Great 
  • naki Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor [C: 382 W: 27 N: 5] (40)
  • [2005-06-01 15:37]

Hi Gerhard, how interesting kind of elephants they are :) I had no idea about them until saw your post. Very informative picture and note as usuall.
Thank you for sharing.

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