Megalohyrax (SciiFii)

The giant hyrax (Megalohyrax africanus) is a species of mammal belonging to the hyrax family that originally lived from Africa and Asia as an extinct species of Megalohyrax during the Lower Oligocene, about 33–30 million years ago, and was once extinct, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and introduced to the modern forests, open woodlands, grasslands, and mountains of Africa and Asia to help boost biodiversity. The giant hyrax is very different from the smaller hyraxes and much larger, generally reaching the size of a tapir and sometimes exceeding 1.5 meters in length. The legs are strong and the body is also massive. The skull is long and low, unlike that of smaller hyraxes, and can reach 40 centimeters in length. The dental formula of giant hyrax is composed of three incisors, one canine, four premolars and three molars. The giant hyrax is a herbivore that feeds on a wide variety of different plants native to Africa and Asia, including Lobelia and broad-leafed plants. Prominent in and apparently unique to hyraxes, including giant hyraxes, is the dorsal gland, which excretes an odour used for social communication and territorial marking. The gland is most clearly visible in dominant males. Giant hyraxes build dwelling holes in any type of rock with suitable cavities such as sedimentary rocks and soil. In Africa, giant hyraxes live in colonies comprising an adult male, differing numbers of adult females and immatures. They are active during the day, and sometimes during moonlit nights. The dominant male defends and watches over the group. The male also marks its territory. The natural predators of the giant hyraxes includes African lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, African savanna bears, and among other large predators. The conservation status of the giant hyrax is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and the giant hyrax's wide range.