Rock Hyrax in Holy Land near Sea of Galilee
Jerusalem and Nazareth Pilgrimage Tours and Wildlife of Israel
Nov 7, 2009
Four species of hyrax are recognised, but only one of them can be seen around Kinneret in Israel.
The Hyrax
Modern hyraxes are closely related to elephants, and the manatees and dugongs. They have toenails, small tusks, and a very good memory (like elephants). The four living species are:
- Procavia capensis, the Rock Hyrax, lives in rocky crevices and typically emerges at dawn and dusk – it has not evolved a very efficient temperature-control system and tends to avoid the midday heat. This is the one that can be seen in Israel (for example in the grounds of the Franciscan 'Chapel of the Primacy of Peter' below the 'Mount of the Beatitudes' at Tabgha). Since groups of these animals forage together, they are easy to see. One or more will take to higher ground to act as lookouts, and provided these are not alarmed the whole group will often ignore tourists.
- Heterohyrax brucei (the Yellow-spotted Rock Hyrax), Dendrohyrax dorsalis (the Western Tree Hyrax), and Dendrohyrax arboreus (the Southern Tree Hyrax) are African animals not found in Israel.
Many pilgrims to the Holy Land visit the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret), and a number take the opportunity to be re-baptised in the water.
This involves some waiting around beside the lake, and this is when people sometimes notice small rabbit-like animals among the rocks.
These are the hyraxes. Close inspection will reveal that they have funny little feet without claws or hooves – the Old Testament was right (Leviticus 11) – they do not have a ‘cloven hoof’.
Pilgrimage Tours and Wildlife Viewing
Touring the religious sites in the Holy Land involves coach travel to many remote places – to habitats occupied by interesting creatures such as hyraxes. The actual stopping places are firmly on the ‘tourist trail’, and the wildlife will be accustomed to regular visits from groups of human beings; they will not be too shy. This often affords close-up encounters but it is wise to carry binoculars. It might also be worth considering ‘stabilised’ binoculars for ease of use on a moving vehicle.
Tours always have guides, but, while they can be expected to know a lot about the sites being visited and the history of the region, most will not be too knowledgeable about the wildlife. It is as well to be armed with a local bird book, and a more general guide to the other animals and plants of the region. These will help pass the time while travelling from place to place, and point out what to look for at each location.
Watching the wildlife on a pilgrimage need not detract from the experience. Indeed, it might well add another dimension!
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