There are four species of Tree Hyrax or Tree Dassie (Western, Benin, Southern and Eastern). The Western Tree Hyrax, also called Beecroft's Tree Hyrax, is native to tropical and subtropical forest, moist savanna and rocky habitats of West and Central Africa. The West African subspecies is shown (The Benin species occurs between the West African and Central African populations). Although hyraxes look like rodents, they are related to elephants, elephant shrews and sea cows. They are some 50cm long with a stubby tail, rounded nails and rubbery, gripping soles. They are vegetarian.

The Western Tree Hyrax is nocturnal, mainly solitary or paired and an exceptionally capable and fast climber even of smooth, vertical tree trunks. Like the Bush Hyrax, adults have a yellowish scent gland on their back.

The Southern Tree Hyrax, also called Southern Tree Dassie, is native to tropical and subtropical forest, moist savanna and rocky habitats of south Central and southeastern Africa. It is nocturnal, mainly solitary or paired and, like other tree hyraxes, a very adept climber. The males make "blood-curdling shrieks" at night, calling and announcing their prescence. The near-threatened Eastern Tree Hyrax, (D. validus), used to be considered a subspecies and lives within the range of the Southern in Kenya and Tanzania. It has different vocal screaming patterns and a wider skull.