Metabolic adaptations and digestive ability were integrated to explain the ecological efficiency of the hyrax (Procavia capensis). Metabolic rate was shown to decrease linearly with a drop in ambient temperature, but at a lower rate than an animal of equivalent size, the guinea-pig (Cavia porcellus). This is achieved by lowering the body temperature with a drop in ambient temperature. Maintenance energy requirements within the thermoneutral zone are ca 700 kJ/day for mature and 400 kJ/day for immature hyrax and were supplied even on a poor quality laboratory diet. These factors explain the wide adaptability and competitive ability of the hyrax where its predators have been eliminated.
"Experientia docet" - Experience is the best teacher