Dassie
The Sunbathers of the South Coast
The Dassie, or Rock Hyrax, is a familiar sight along the rocky shores and sunny spots of Pennington. Often mistaken for rodents, these fascinating mammals are actually part of a unique order and share distant ancestry with elephants. They are highly social animals, living in colonies of up to 50 individuals.
Dassies are perfectly adapted to their environment, with rubbery pads on their feet that act like suction cups, allowing them to navigate steep, rocky surfaces with ease. They are most commonly seen basking in the sun in large groups, a behaviour that helps them regulate their body temperature. Their diet consists of a wide variety of plants, and they can go for long periods without drinking water, obtaining most of what they need from their food.
Dassie Gallery
Living with Dassies
Dassies are a charming 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 are still wild. Please observe them from a distance and avoid startling them.
- Garden with Care: While they can sometimes be a nuisance in gardens, avoid using poisons. Consider planting less palatable, hardy indigenous plants as a deterrent.
- Do Not Feed: Human food is unhealthy for them and encourages unnatural behaviour, which can lead to conflict.
- Leash Your Pets: Keep dogs leashed in areas where dassies are present to prevent chases and potential injuries to both animals.