The Order Hyracoidea comprises small, herbivorous mammals known as hyraxes, found mainly in Africa and the Middle East. Hyraxes have short, robust bodies, rounded ears, and padded feet with rubbery soles that help them climb rocky surfaces. Despite their small size, they are closely related to elephants and manatees. Hyraxes live in colonies and are primarily diurnal, feeding on leaves, fruits, and bark. They play important roles in their ecosystems as prey for predators and as seed dispersers for various plants.