Procavia capensis in the Judean Desert

Procavia capensis, more commonly known as the coney, hyrax, or rock rabbit, is commonly identified as the שפן (shafan) in the Bible.
Perhaps most famously, the shafan is listed in Leviticus 11 as an animal forbidden for Israelites to eat.
I had seen one to maybe three of Procavia capensis at a time on occasion, but a few hours after שמיני (shəmini), the complete portion of which contains Leviticus 11, was begun to be read, I saw around twenty of the species of different sizes and colors.
Though stocky, these animals are agile and fast as can be seen in this video.
And though subjectively cute, they may harbor sandflies with the Leishmania parasite, so keeping distance is advised.
More Biblical references to the shafan:
Psalm 104:18, "The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies."
Proverbs 30:26, "The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks"

[@lillybeth930]

absolutely adorable!

[@DavidGeliebter]

I think they're cuter than most household pets, but also potentially more dangerous.

[@Francisco-bm7gg]

Pretty creatures.

[@DavidGeliebter]

Yeah. And for their stocky build, they can really move!

[@TheVinix8]

Psalm 104:18 .. After read the Bible, i wanted see procavia.. Thanks by record

[@OriginalEye2072]

기여워😂

[@DavidGeliebter]

감사합니다.

[@matta5749]

the conies are a people not mighty, yet they make their homes in the cliffs

[@DavidGeliebter]

Exactly!

[@azooozalzhrani3413]

طعمها جميل😋

[@DavidGeliebter]

Don't try catching them though. Insects that live on them can be harmful.

[@user-tp1he1em5e]

وين

[@DavidGeliebter]

واد في معاليه ادوميم

[@user-pu6xc3eb4g]

Neutal zone azzonic al survive

[@DavidGeliebter]

What does that mean?