In honor of the UN’s International Day of Families, we present the hyrax–a species with a rather surprising family tree. These furry mammals are often mistaken for rodents, but they’re more closely related to the elephant and manatee. Hyraxes even sport tusk-like incisors like their elephant cousins. To stay warm, they spend much of their time sunbathing, an activity which makes them vulnerable to predators. But even hyrax families look out for one another—and a male hyrax will stand guard to watch for potential threats.
Celebrating the UN’s International Day of Families
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Travel Sunday: Sintra, Portugal
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Martinique
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It s National Camera Day. Get the picture?
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It’s Opening Day for Major League Baseball
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It s Independence Day
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For Hispanic Heritage Month: Out of Many, One
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International Polar Bear Day
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Autumn in the cypress swamp
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It s National Mushroom Month!
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Preservation Hall in New Orleans, Louisiana
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Cecil Brewer Staircase, London
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Traveling warblers
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Go Fly a Kite Day
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The village of Castelluccio above the Piano Grande, Umbria, Italy
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National Mountain Climbing Day
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World Elephant Day
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In celebration of cats
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How lovely are your branches
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Everest s shadow on the Himalayas
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Riding the bore tide at Turnagain Arm, Cook Inlet, Alaska
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Ludwig’s palace
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Frozen beauty
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Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
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A crested partridge
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Lighting the way to new beginnings
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International Nurses Day
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Legacy mural in Philadelphia
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World Teachers Day
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Venice s grand regatta
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New York City skyline