Description:

The bush bullyrax (Bosahyrax campus) is a megafaunal member of the horned ungulahyracids. These hyraxes are some of the heaviest members of the group, taking the niches of large social bovids. This species and the black wildyrax had a common ancestor about 5 million years ago, making them close relatives. Both are social, herding ungylahyracids, but the bush bullyraxes are far more dominant in their ecosystems. They are one of the most deadly animals on the savannah, representing a large section of predator deaths. These mammals are about 1.3 to 1.4 meters in height at the shoulder and 2.5 to 3.0 meters long. They also weigh up to 2,000 kilograms. The bush bullyraxes are mainly all dark brownish-gray with light amounts of hair all over the body. They also have the two horns on the top of the head. The bullyraxes use these horns to fight with other bullyraxes and to defend themselves against predators. 

Distribution:

This ungulahyracid species mainly lives in open grasslands, scrublands, and savannas. During migrations, they may also stop through flooded grassland areas.

Diet:

This hyrax species has a diet that mainly consists of grasses, shrubs, leaves, and other plants.

Social Behavior:

Females tend to live in groups of 10 to 12 adult females with a dominant male. Most males tend to live in bachelor groups of 5 to 8 individuals. Males in the bachelor groups often fight each other to test their skills. This fighting helps them prepare for fights with lead males of female-dominant groups. One bachelor male will attempt to fight a lead male to take over their harem. These fights mainly consist of the two male bullyraxes ramming into each other at high speeds. The male who tires first loses the battle, with the other male keeping or gaining the harem. Females mainly mate with the lead male of the group, but some females will secretly mate with sneaky males.

Reproduction:

Bush bullyraxes breed throughout the year when conditions are suitable for them to do so. Most births, however, occur during the wet season due to the availability of resources. They have a gestation period of 12 months. Upon birth, bullyrax calves are fully capable of walking and running without assistance from the parent. Other female bullyraxes will also help to raise calves and protect them from predators. If a predator does threaten the calves, the females will form a circle around them with their heads facing outwards. This circle prevents predators from getting in without getting harmed by the predator.