Tree Dassies

Tree Hyrax (Tree Dassie): Setting Boundaries

One of the dominant arboreal Mammals in Africa is Tree Hyrax. Living high in the tree canopy, Tree Hyrax has a small area of the forest that is His, usually a single tree. Contorting his body, He navigates the “branch ways” of the rain forests with great agility. In the upper levels of the African jungles, He lives quite comfortably.

What people notice the most about Tree Hyrax is his screaming match with other Tree Hyraxes at night. Starting at dusk, He calls from his tree, using a low ringing sound. Repeating this sound, Tree Hyrax’s calls become louder and harsher. Finally, He screams out unearthly sounds, which resembles metal scraping against metal. Then silence falls in the jungle. After awhile, other Tree Dassies answer Him. As the night deepens, silence once again covers the forest.

Tree Hyrax screams out for all to hear, “This tree belongs to *ME*!” Then, Other Tree Hyraxes return with their screams, “This is *my* tree over here!” Together, They establish their boundaries without trouble.

Wisdom of Tree Hyrax Includes:
Being Agile
Effective Use of Screaming
“Walking on Air”

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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