I. £*— \^/f 5 ^UONYSOV^ ^EUNIVERS/^. •% i § 1 I J •» J "Tl *«— * ^ .1 IG %/OJITV3-JO^ ^OJIT\ ^OFCALIFO%, ^OF-CAl *• ^ |iu: — v I j ^,1 LIBRARY^. 1 s I § S i % If rS J»- ^3 I I ,OF-CAll F0% I §' f \ ^*UNivEii% 1 I I § 8 s £ a 3 V o I e s >: ^EUNIVER% \\\EUNIVER% . "v/5a3AINn3\\v 1 1 ^\\f-UNIVER% i I 5? t>. «! \\«UNIVER% ^ I 3 § s lOS ANGEL S 1 3 V ^u3NV-S01^ « g a i? fVf71| - ^l/OdllVJ-JO^ ^.OF-CAllFOfi^ SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS A SHOET MANUAL FOE THE USE OF FIELD NATUKALISTS, SPOETSMEN AND TEAVELLEKS ALWIN HAAGNEE, F.Z.S., &c. Director National Zoological Gardens of South Africa President Transvaal Game Protection Association; Vice-President S. A. Biological Society; Joint Editor S. A. Journal of Natural History WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS LONDON : H. F. & G. WITHEEBY 326 HIGH HOLBOEN, W.C. OAPE TOWN : T. MA SKEW MILLEE 21' ADDERLEY STREET 1920 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS OF SOUTH AFRICA, PRETORIA, TRANSVAAL TABLE OF CONTENTS. PAGE TABLE OF CONTENTS ... ... ... ix LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS ... ... ... ... ... xi INTRODUCTION ... ... ... ... .. ... xv General Principles of Zoology ... ... ... ... 1 Order PRIMATES ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 Family Cercopithecidae ... ... ... 4 ,, Lemuridae ... .. ... ... 17 Order CHIROPTERA ... ... ... ... ... ... 21 Family Pteropodidae ... 22 ,, Ehinolophidae ... ... ... 24 ,, Nycteridae ... ... ... ... 25 ,, Vespertilionidse ... ... ... 25 ,, Em ballon uridae ... ... ... 26 Order INSECTIVORA ... ... ... 27 Family Macroscelidao ... ... ... 27 „ Erinaceidae ... .. 29 ,, Soricidae ... . . 30 ,, Chrysochloridae ... ... ... 33 Order CARNIVORA 35 Family Mustelidae 35 ,, Canidae ... ... ... ... 41 ,, Hyaenidae ... ... ... ... 49 ,, Viverridae ... ... 52 Felidse 65 Order PINNIPEDIA ... ... ... ... ... ... 82 Family Otariidae 82 Phocidse 84 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Order RODENTIA 86 Family Sciuridte 86 ,, Gliridae . 89 ,, Muridse ... 91 ,, Bathyergidae ... 99 ,, Pedetidae ... 101 ,, Octodontidae ... 102 ,, Hystricidae ... ... 103 ,, Leporidae ... 106 Order HYRACOIDEA ; Family Procavidae ... .. 109 ,, PBOBOSCIDEA ... 112 ,, UNGULATA ... • „. ... 124 Sub-Order Perissodacbyla ... ...'' •'• ... 124 Family Rhinocerotidae ... 124 ,, Equidae ... 129 Sub -Order Artiodactyla ... ... 142 Family Suiclae ... 142 ,, Hippopotamidae ... 146 ,, Euminantia... ... 152 ,, GiraflBdae ... 152 ,, Bovidae ... 156 Sub-Family Bubalinsa... ... 157 ,, Cervicapridas ... 184 ,, Bovinae ... 225 Order SIKENIA 230 „ CETACEA ... 232 Sub-Order Mystacoceti ... 232 ,, Odontoceti ... 234 Order EDENTATA ... ... 236 Family Manidae ... ... :.'. ... 236 ,, Orycteropodides ... 237 INDEX 240 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Frontispiece — In the Good Old Days . . W. Ay res FIG. PAGE 1 Albino Vervet Monkey F. Pollard 6 2 Yellow Baboon S.A. Railways .. 10 3 Chacma Baboon A. K. Haagner . . 12 4 Rbodesian Baboon F. Pollard 15 5 Grey Shrew R. H. Ivy 32 6 Albino Shrew » » 32 7 Golden Mole at Uarthmound »i 34 8 Cape Otter ,, ,, 40 9 Side-striped Jackals A. K. Haagner . . 43 10 Cape Hunting Dog F. Pollard 46 11 Cape Long-eared Poxes C. J. Swierstra. . 47 12 ,, ,1 ,, and young A. K. Haagner . . 47 13 » » >i >i >» i» 48 14 Young Aardwolves . . . . Zoo. Records . . 50 15 Civet-cat .. .. A. K. Haagner . . 53 16 Hunting Leopard or Cheetah G. Tod . . 66 17 Cheetah Cub A. K. Haaguer . . 67 18 Black-maned Lion A. H. Giovanetti 69 19 Lioness Zoo. Records . . 71 20 Lion Cubs : 6 weeks old . . . . A. K. Haagner . . 72 21 ,, ,, 6 months old ,, ,, 72 22 Leopard Cubs » » 76 23 Leopard (female) >. >. 77 24 Serval .. .. F. Pollard 79 25 African Lynx or Caracal.. » » 80 26 Cape Sealions . . . . . . L. B. Jensen . . 83 27 Cape Dormouse R. H. Ivy 90 28 White-nosed Rat >» » 95 29 Giant Rat F Pollard 97 30 Cane Rats A. K. Haagner. . 103 31 Albino Porcupine . . . . ..'..' Zoo. Records . . 104 32 Porcupines and Young .. .. .. A. K. Haagner . . 105 33 Rock Rabbits F. Pollard 110 34 S. African Elephant (Head) A. H. Giovanetti 112 35 Young Elephant . . F. Pollard 113 Xll. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PIG. PAGE 36 The Fallen Monarch P. Viana-Rodrigues 114 37 Skeleton of S. African Elephant » » 114 38 Elephants feeding in the Marshes ,, ,, 115 39 Winding the Photographer >. » 116 40 The Flight back to the Forest .. 116 41 Capturing a Young Elephant : Roped up ,, ,, 117 42 Ready for his new home )5 )> 118 43 Driven into captivity » » 119 44 5> >J » <) 119 45 The last lap : into the box >• !» 120 46 The last bid for freedom ). 1> 121 47 Training a Young Elephant : After six months ,, ,, 122 48 122 49 Herd of Wild Elephants in their Forest Home African Film Productions, Ltd. 123 50 Head of Black Rhinoceros A. H. Giovanetti 126 51 Wounded Black Rhinoceros F. A. 0. Pym . . 127 52 Young Black Rhino Zoo. Records 128 53 Baby Black Rhino A. K. Haagner . . 128 54 Quagga : now Extinct F. W. Bond 130 55 Zebras : Chapman's, and one Crawshay C. J. Swierstra . . 131 56 Burchell's Zebra Mare (Bechuanaland) P. Hoogland 132 57 Burchell's Zebras ,, A. K. Haagner . . 133 58 „ „ (Zululand) Moc Brothers 134 59 Chapman's Zebra (Heavily marked) . . C. J. Swierstra . . 135 60 „ Zebroid A. K. Haagner . . 136 61 137 62 138 €3 Head of Cape Mountain Zebra A. H. Giovanetti 139 64 Baby „ „ ,, F. A. O. Pym . . 140 65 Cape Mountain Zebras (Pair) . . F. Pollard . . 141 66 Mountain Zebra : South- West Variety Zoo. Records 141 67 Bushpigs A. K. Haagner . . 143 68 Warthog Sow A. H. Giovanetti 144 69 Hippo, resting in the Water ,, ,, 146 70 Hippo. Skeleton Zoo. Records 147 71 Hippopotamus Bull F. Pollard 148 72 Young Hippopotamus Zoo. Records 149 73 Hippopotamus Wading Percy Clark 150 74 Landing a Dead Hippopotamus Zoo. Records 151 75 Southern Giraffe F. Pollard 153 76 A Pair of Southern Giraffes C. J. Swierstra . . 154 77 Method of Tying-up Newly-captured Giraffe , C. J. van Rooyeu 155 78 Wild Animal Caravan A. K. Haagner . . 155 79 Red or Common Hartebeeste . . Zoo. Records 157 SO »> ii j> .... Maj. C. E. FitzRoy 158 81 ,, ,, ,, suckled by goat A. K. Haagner . . 158 82 Lichtenstein's Hartebeest Dr. Pi row 160 LIST OF ILLUSTKATIONS FIG. PAGE 83 Bontebuck Ram A. H. Giovanetti 161 84 A Pair of Bontebucks S.A. Railways .. 161 85 Blesbuck in the Zoo. A. K. Haagner . . 163 86 Capturing Blesbuck on the Veld )> » 164 87 Blesbuck and Springbok Shoot in the 0. F.S. ,, 164 88 Tsessebi or Sassaby Maj. C. E. FitzRoy 165 89 Brindled Gnu or Blue Wildebeest A. H. Giovanetti 167 90 Maj. C. E. FitzRoy 167 91 White-tailed Gnu or Black Wildebeest A. H. Giovanetti 169 92 ,, ,, : aBagintheO.F.S. A. K. Haagner .. 170 93 Blue Duiker or Pietie » ,, 173 94 Common Duiker : a Bushveld " Bag ;> )! »! 174 95 Albino Duiker Wm. Harvey 175 96 Klipspringer (Ram) A. K. Haagner . . 177 97 A Pair of Oribis F. A. 0. Pym . . 179 98 " Fufwa," N. Rhodesian : the Home of the Oribi A. K. Haagner . . 179 99 Lechwes Feeding ,, ,, 186 100 Lechwe Ram Maj. C. E. FitzRoy 187 101 Puku Ram » i) • • 188 102 Bringing in a Dead Puku it •> 188 103 Reedbuck and Bu^hbuck F. A. 0. Pym . . 190 104 VaalRhebuck A. K. Haagner . . 192 105 Impalas in the Zoo. S.A. Railways .. 194 106 Dead Impala Ram F. A. O. Pym .. 194 107 A Pair of Springbuck A. H. Giovanetti 196 108 Young Springbuck » » 197 109 Springbuck Rams sparring A. K. Haagner .. 197 110 A Fine Springbuck Ram ,, ,, 198 111 Dead Roan Antelope Maj.C.E. FitzRoy 200 112 Sable Antelopes and Young One S.A. Railways .. 202 113 A Pair of Sable Antelopes A. H. Giovanetti 203 114 Baby Sable Antelope A. K. Haagner . . 203 115 Dead Sable Antelope Bull Maj.C.E. FitzRoy 204 116 Gemsbuck Bull A. K. Haagner . . 206 117 Freshly captured Gemsbuck and Eland C. J. van Rooyen 206 118 Cape Bushbuck Tom Jenkins 208 119 Horns of Female Bushbuck F. 0. Noome 209 120 An 'Nyala Hunt J. de V. Roos . . 210 121 A Fine Series of 'Nyala Horns F. O. Noome 211 122 Record Pair of 'Nyala Horns ,, ,, 213 123 Sitatunga Ram A. H. Giovanetti 214 124 Young Sitatunga Ewe Ben Woest 215 125 Koodoo surprised in his Home . . Lent by C. G. Finch-Davies 217 126 A Koodoo Family A. K. Haagner . . 218 127 A Young Koodoo Bull F. Pollard 218 128 Koodoo Heads A. K. Haagner . . 219 129 Albino Koodoo Lent by C. G. Finch-Davies 220 130 Unstriped Eland Bull A. K. Haagner .. 221 Xiv. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS FIG. PAGE 131 Herd of Eland C. Newberry . . 222 132 Striped Eland Maj. C. E. FitzRoy 222 133 Pair of Striped Eland Heads .. .. ,, ,, . . 223 134 Young Striped Eland Zoo. Records . . 224 135 Young African Buffalo A. K. Haagner . . 225 136 „ „ „ „ „ .. 226 137 „ „ „ ,, .. 226 138 African Buffalo .. Maj. C.E. FitzRoy 227 139 Head of Buffalo packed on Bullock .. „ ,, .. 227 140 Cape Buffalo F. A. 0. Pym . . 228 141 Aardvark or Antbear F. Pollard . 238 INTRODUCTION. SOUTH AFRICA has been, from the early days of; its emergence from a simple home for savages, the happy hunting grounds of sportsmen from all over the world, and, alas ! the ruthless shooting down of game by biltong hunters, game-butchers, and the like, inadequate game laws, with still more inadequate means of enforcing them — coupled with an epidemic some years ago, called the rinderpest — have sadly diminished our noble game- animals. In parts of Cape Colony, Koodoo, Elephant, and Buffalo are still to be found, the two former in Albany and the North-western Districts, while all three animals still inhabit the Addo Bush and the Knysna Forests. Buffalo may still be located in the thick bush near Port Alfred as well. Elephant and Buffalo are now Eoyal Game, but may be shot on a special permit, if found destroying crops. Koodoo can be shot on a special licence. Since these lines were penned, the Cape Government has signed the death-warrant of the Addo herd of Elephants, and Major Pretorious, D.S.O., of East African fame, has been engaged to exterminate this monument of Nature. All the efforts of the Transvaal Game Pro- tection Association and various scientific bodies in South Africa could not budge the members of the Provincial Council. What the author of this work takes such strong XVI. INTRODUCTION exception to is the proposed total extinction of the herd. Surely a few females and a young bull could do no harm, especially after having had the wits scared out of them ! In the mountain regions of Cradock, Oudtshoorn, and George, the Mountain Zebra is still to be found, and a permit — fortunately now not easily obtainable — is required to shoot or capture them. Probably not more than 400 are still left alive. On one or two farms in the Bredasdorp district of the Cape Province, Bontebok still linger in a semi-domesti- cated state, but were it not for the praiseworthy efforts of the Albertyns and the Van der Byls, this pretty Antelope would long since belong to the past, in company with the true Bluebuck and the Quagga. In parts of the Orange Free State, especially in the Winburg, Kroonstad, Hoopstad, and Boshof districts, herds of Black Wildebeest, Blesbuck, and Springbuck still roam the flats — but, alas ! not in the countless numbers of Baldwin's and Gordon Cumming's days. Even during the last eight or nine years their numbers have sadly diminished, owing to wanton and indis- criminate shooting for the markets ; happily this lament- able state of affairs is being recognized, and attempts are being made to remedy the evil, even at the eleventh hour. In the Cape, Transvaal, and Natal, and even in Ehodesia, Game Keserves exist in which our beautiful Antelope are steadily increasing. Some farmers, too, are beginning to realize what an asset game is to their farms, and do not now ruthlessly mow down their Buck in hundreds for the sake of the biltong and skins, as their predecessors did fifteen or twenty years ago. There are, however, still some who allow butchers — sportsmen they cannot be called — to shoot down every- thing within their reach for a few pounds per annum for INTRODUCTION XV11. the sole purpose of making profit out of the game on the Johannesburg and Kimberley markets. We know of one case in a certain village in the Free State where a man and his sons had the shooting rights on a farm teeming with game, and, although fairly well-to-do people, this family party sent up to the Johannesburg market hundreds of head of game every month, until the constant inroad upon the supply caused a total destruc- tion of all game on that particular farm ! I am, of course, not against the legitimate sportsman who is naturalist and sportsman enough to recognize the facts aforementioned and who is often quite willing to pay for a few days' shooting. I sincerely hope farmers and landowners will realize the important fact that the game is not merely their property, but that it is an asset to the country and belongs quite as much to their heirs and successors. I have given a good deal of thought to this vexed question, and the only practical solution of the problem I can think of, without waiting until most of the Antelope have to be totally protected, by being proclaimed Royal Game, is the prohibition of the sale of game-meat on the markets, or by wholesale butchers, except in certain instances, such as Springbuck and similar cases where the animal is plentiful, when a special permit from the Administrator should be allowed for sportsmen to shoot or remove game in certain quantities from one Province to another, or to his home, upon a certificate from the Resident Magistrate of the district in which he has been shooting. At any rate, something drastic will soon have to be done. There are in South Africa a number of people — chiefly Boers — to whom the " sport " of shooting does not appeal. They only shoot for the pot, and to them such ideas as not shooting a Partridge on the XV111. INTRODUCTION ground, &c., seems farcical. These men will not realize that the game is either Government or private property, and they look upon poaching as legitimate " sport." It is largely the poacher — in and out of season — who is causing the scarcity of game, and, in order to try and stop him, the author appeals to all shooting men with sporting instincts in this country to join the Game Protection Associations, or, at least, to report all cases of illegal shooting which come to their notice. I am not a rabid protectionist, and do not advocate the " protect at any price" theory, or the protection of birds and animals when these are destructive to crops, or are otherwise detrimental to the interests of the human race. I admit the wisdom of their destruction or confine- ment to some circumscribed area, but before drastic action is taken let us be sure of our facts. For this reason I am at present against the wholesale and indiscriminate slaughter of the game animals in large areas in Zululand, and the total extermination of the Addo Elephants. When they are once gone, nothing can bring them back, and the men who advocate and sanction such acts without full justification and without exhaustive inquiry are taking a grave responsibility on their own shoulders. This is also the opinion of one of the leading American authorities. This book has therefore been written with a threefold object: Besides being an introduction to the study of South African mammals, this work is also intended as a short manual for the use of sportsmen and travellers and the amateur naturalist generally. As the author has spent twelve years amongst wild animals in the National Zoological Gardens, it is also hoped the work may be of some assistance to the workers INTRODUCTION XIX. amongst living wild animals in South Africa and else- where ; and to this end I have included remarks upon their feeding and treatment in captivity, as well as some of my personal experiences. To my critics I would point out : firstly, to the zoologist, that while I could have made the work much more " scientific," I would, in so doing, have defeated my main object ; and to the literary critic, that I have purposely adopted a more or less "note-book" style, considering this quite adequate for a work of this nature, and the saving of space being to-day a big consideration. Many of the illustrations in this book are from life, either from animals in the National Zoological Gardens or in the field. As it is often not possible to photograph the living animal in its native wilds, I have included pictures of dead game animals as they fell in the field, to show more or less the nature of the country they inhabit. My thanks are due to Mr. W. L. Sclater, M.A., of London (one time Director of the South African Museum in Cape Town) for so kindly undertaking the revision of the proofs for me ; to His Worship the Mayor of Pretoria (Mr. C. W. Giovanetti) for placing at my disposal the photographs of his son, the late Lieutenant Giovanetti, of the Royal Flying Corps; to Major C. E.FitzEoy, of His Excellency's Staff, for the loan of a number of interesting photographs of game-trophies in the field ; to Mr. P. Viana-Rodrigues (Administrator of Maputoland) for an interesting series of photographs of wild and tame Elephants; to the African Film Productions, Ltd., Johan- nesburg, for the loan of a photo of wild Elephants in the bush ; to Dr. A. A. Schoch, of the Transvaal Attorney- General's Office, for a number of weights of game taken, often at great inconvenience, in the field : also for the XX. INTRODUCTION loan of photos to Mr. L. B. Jensen, of Johannesburg ; Mr. J. de V. Eoos (Auditor-General), J. E. Ivy, and E. H. Ivy, of Pretoria; to Lieutenant C. G. Finch- Davies, 1st S.A.M.E., F. O. Noome, and C. J. Swierstra, of the Transvaal Museum ; to Frank Pym, of the King- williamstown Museum ; the S. A. Kailways (Publicity Dept.) ; Ivan Ayres ; G. Tod ; P. Hoogland ; Percy Clark ; Moe Bros. ; C. J. van Eooyen ; Dr. Pirow ; Mr. Harvey of Bindura, S. Ehodesia ; T. Jenkins ; Ben Woest, and to the Zoological Society of London for kind permission. to reproduce a photograph of the now extinct Quagga. I have to acknowledge having made free use of Eowland Ward's " Eecords of Big Game," 1914 Edition, for the record measurements ; but a number of new records have been established since the issue of this work. To these I have added the name of the owner, or the authority for the measurements given. I am also indebted to Mr. W. L. Sclater's " Mammals of South Africa " for much information. SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS A SHORT MANUAL FOR THE USB OF FIELD NATURALISTS, SPORTSMEN AND TRAVELLERS. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF ZOOLOGY. BEFORE proceeding to the individual descriptions of the quadruped animals or mammals found in South Africa, a short account of the principles of zoology may not be out of place. Animals form the great division in Nature termed the "Animal Kingdom," in opposition to the "Vegetable" and " Mineral " Kingdoms. A concise and exact definition of an animal is not easy. Linnaeus, the first systematist who reduced the chaos existing in his time to some- thing like order, wrote the following as his description : " Stones grow; vegetables grow and live; animals grow, live and feel." Bymer Jones, in his "Natural History of Animals," vol. i, gives us another definition: "Animals are possessed of an internal receptacle for food wherein they collect the nutriment destined for their support." The Animal Kingdom may roughly be divided into two great groups, the Vertebrate (or animals possessing a vertebral column or backbone) and the Invertebrate (animals without this appendage). The full classification in modern use is too long and complicated to warrant inclusion in this work, and the reader must refer to one i 2 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS of the numerous text-books on Zoology if he wishes to probe more deeply into the subject. Animals may be classified, commencing with the lowest forms and ascending to the highest; or the reverse method may be adopted. The latter is the system used in this sketch, as the only comprehensive modern work dealing with South African mammals is classified in this way. The following is a more complete list of the Sub- Kingdoms into which the Animal Kingdom has been divided: Vertebrata (backboned animals), Tunicata (sea- squirts, &c.), Mollusca (mussels, snails, &c.), Molluscoidea (moss-corals and \a,mpshel\s),Art]iropoda (lobsters, crabs, and insects), Vermes (worms), Echinodermata (starfish, sea-urchins, &c.), Coelenterata (sponges, corals, and jelly- fish), and Protozoa (the lowest forms of animal life, including the germs of many diseases). VERTEBRATE ANIMALS. The Vertebrates, as already stated, constitute the highest group of animal life, and are mainly charac- terized by a vertebral column or backbone, which consists of a number of bones called vertebra, joined together by ligaments. Through the centre of the backbone runs a canal containing the spinal marrow (a cord of nerve tissue running from the brain to the end of the column). On the opposite side of the backbone or spine there is a much larger cavity, formed by the ribs and breastbone, which contains the heart, lungs, liver and intestines, &c. Vertebrate animals are still further characterized by the possession of not more than four limbs, and by the fact that the jaws are situated one above the other, or " upper and lower." GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF ZOOLOGY 3 The Vertebrate Sub-Kingdom is divided into the following five classes : — (1) Mammalia (mammals, animals which suckle their young). (2) Aves (birds). (3) Reptilia (reptiles, snakes, lizards, and turtles). (4) Amphibia (frogs, newts, and salamanders). (5) Pisces (fish). Order PEIMATES. (Apes, Monkeys, and Lemurs.) The form is more or less human-like, with a tendency in the animal to assume an upright position. Body covered with hair. Feet hand-like in shape ; as a rule, five digits to each foot — both hands and feet forming grasping organs, the big toe being opposable to the other toes, a feature man has lost. The collar-bone is well developed, and the sockets of ;the eyes are completely surrounded by a bony ring. The mammae are thoracic and two in number. Of the man-like Apes (Simiidae) South Africa possesses no representative. Family CEKCOPITHECID^E. This family includes the Old World Monkeys and Baboons, which are quadrupedal and possess naked patches of hard skin on the buttocks termed " cal- losities." The number of teeth is the same as in the man-like Apes, viz., 32, but differing from those of the Simiidae by the two-ridged character of the molars. Dentition : Incisors 2-2, canines 1-1, pre-molars 2-2, and molars 3-3. Tail not prehensile. Cercopithecus pygerythrus. Vervet Monkey. Blaauwaap. (Also called the. Grey Monkey and the Natal Monkey by the Colonials.) Description : Above of a grizzly greenish-grey colour — greyer in some individuals, darker in others. The hairs are ringed alternately with black and white or black VERVET MONKEY 5 and yellow, A narrow band across the forehead, chin, cheeks, and underparts, including the insides of the limbs, a dirty white. Face, hands and feet black. The hairs at the root of the tail reddish. The scrotum is of a bluish-green colour, hence the vernacular name of "Blaauwaap" given to it by the Dutch South African. Young animals are greener in colour than the adults. The total length is about 4 J feet, whereof the tail measures '2 feet. I have, however, occasionally seen larger examples. Trouessart, " Catalogus Mammalium," recognizes two species of Vervet, the other one being C. lalandei, but the matter requires further working up, although my own opinion is that in South Africa there is only one species. A sub-species, C. p, rufoviridis, is recorded from Portuguese East Africa. The Vervet is the commonest monkey in South Africa, and is found in all the wooded tracts, ranging from Swellendam in the Western Cape Colony through the Eastern Districts, the Orange fliver basin, Natal and Zululand, to the Transvaal. I found it common at Vliegepoort, Rustenburg district, and also along the Maputo River in Portuguese South-East Africa. It lives in troops of from three to several dozen individuals, and feeds upon the gum of the Mimosa tree, berries and fruit, including prickly pears, insects, spiders, vegetables, &c., and in cultivated districts (like its larger relative the Baboon) is much given to thieving. The cry of the Vervet Monkey is a harsh, loud, cackling bark, but it also emits a peculiar, soft rattle- like grunt expressive of pleasure or curiosity, or when it desires to attract attention. When young it makes an amusing and lovable pet, but when old it very often becomes treacherous and cranky, and cannot be relied 6 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS upon. Several hundreds of these animals have passed through my hands at the Pretoria Zoo, and of all the adults there were only two that I could really trust. They are quarrelsome animals, and it is almost impos- sible to keep a number of them together in a cage, the stronger fighting continually amongst themselves, and bullying the weaker. PIG. 1.— Albino Vervet Monkey. The peculiar fact noted of the young one born in the London Zoo was substantiated in an instance in the National Zoological Gardens, namely, taking both teats of the mother in its mouth at once. The mother lost the hair of the white frontal band on the forehead before the birth of her baby, which, however, had grown out again by the sixth week after the birth of its young one. Neither of these facts appear to be constant, as there is now a young one in the Zoo which often uses only one teat, and its mother has only lost a little of the hair of the frontal band. The first-mentioned little one was born on October 1, 1909, and at the date of its death — MOZAMBIQUE MONKEY 7 at the age of tea months — was not even half grown, so that the growth to maturity would probably occupy three to four years. The newly-born Vervet is of a much darker and greener shade than the adults, which becomes paler and greyer as the animal gets older. When a fort- night old he was first allowed on the ground, but not beyond arm's length of his doting mother, whose fond and solicitous regard was ludicrous, and even touching. At the age of one month he climbed about the branches of the tree-perches by himself, but was not allowed to go far. The Zoo possessed several pure albinos of the Vervet (with pink eyes) from the Orange River, pre- sented by Mr. Montague Gadd, of Tafelberg, the first of which after four years in the gardens died of acute dysentery. Mona albigularis, var. beirensis. Mozambique Monkey. Mozambik Aap. The colour on the head and shoulders is a dark speckled greenish grey, the cheeks being paler. The region from the back to the tail is of a speckly greenish yellow, the hair being ringed with alternate yellow and black. Below, greyish or dirty white, with the exception of the chin and upper chest, which is pure white. The fore limbs are black, the hinder limbs paler (ashy black), the feet are black, and the root of the tail is rufous. Base of tail yellowish rufous, darkening to the final three-quarters, which is quite black. There is no white frontal band on the forehead. This animal is about the same size as the Vervet. It is an East African species, and was included by Mr. W. L. Sclater in the fauna of South Africa on the strength of an example collected at Umtali in Mashonaland, and presented to 8 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS the S.A. Museum by Mr. Morrison. Mr. Claude Grant, of the British Museum, collected a female in the Woodbush in 1905, and says they are common there, but difficult to obtain on account of their wari- ness. Natives of the Northern Transvaal in my employ, upon seeing an example of the Samango, stated that it was found in the Zoutpansberg, but they were evidently confusing it with the present species — a natural enough mistake for an uneducated native to make, and one which many unobservant white men would probably follow. The Zoo has had examples from the neighbour- hood of Delagoa Bay and Southern Rhodesia. Mona samango. Samango Monkey. Samango Aap. Colour of the upper parts a dark grizzled grey, darker on the head and shoulders. -Underparts resembling those of the Vervet — being of a dirty or yellowish white. Face, fore limbs, hands and feet black. Outside of hind limbs dark grey, nearly black on the upper portion of the hips. Ears whitish. The hair of the cheeks long and forming side whiskers. The terminal three-quarters of the tail is black. The Samango further differs from the Vervet monkey in having no white frontal band and no red hair at the root of the tail. It is a slightly larger animal, measuring from 4 to 4| feet in total length, the tail alone measuring from 2 to 2 J feet. This is a much scarcer monkey than the Vervet, and has a much more restricted range, being confined to the thickly wooded portions, from the Pirie Forest near Kingwilliamstown, ranging through Pondoland and Natal to Zululand. Mr. W. L. Sclater states that it is also found in Portuguese East Africa, which I much doubt, this species having been confused with the preceding one. YELLOW BABOON * The National Zoological Gardens has been indebted on more than one occasion to ray friend, Mr. Frank Pym, of the Kingwilliamstown Museum, for examples of this pretty monkey. It appears to be nothing like so hardy in captivity as its commoner relation, the Vervet, and is of a more restless disposition, and never seems to wholly overcome its natural shyness. Mr, Pym tells me it is seldom seen far from the forest, although it occasionally makes short trips into the mealie fields after the grain and pumpkin crops. " Its home is undoubtedly in the thickest part of the forest," he writes, " and it is extra- ordinarily shy and difficult to shoot. The males occa- sionally give vent to a call, which may be described as a quick series of coughing grunts. This can be heard at a long distance, and is surprisingly vociferous for so small an animal. If the vegetation is sufficiently dense, the Samango does not make off when approached, but conceals himself in a wonderful manner, not even its tail showing. I have never heard of its associating with the commoner Vervet. Its food consists of fruits, berries, leaves and insects. One I had in captivity caught and devoured a chicken." Papio cynocephalus. Yellow Baboon. Geele Baviaan. The colour varies from an ochreous to a brownish yellow. A very old male in the Pretoria Zoo is of a greenish tinge much resembling one form of the Chacma. The underside is paler and the whiskers are yellow. It is a much thinner, lankier built animal than the Chacma, with relatively longer limbs and»shorter muzzle. It is the East African species, and within our limits occurs in Portuguese South-East Africa. The National Zoological Gardens contain two males from the first- 10 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS named territory, one from Barberton1 and one from British East Africa. Both the first-named have now been in the gardens since November, 1905, and although tractable animals with anyone they know, are vicious FIG. 2.— Yellow Baboon. with strangers. The older one of the two once gave us a lot of trouble. He broke loose owing to being teased by some thoughtless visitors to the gardens, and ' bolted ' through the grounds, followed by two of the keepers* and half-a-dozen natives. He would let no one come near him and would show fight upon 1 This record must be an error in the books of the Zoo. CHACMA BABOON 11 the approach of anybody. He eventually allowed him- self to be caught by his own particular " boy," who had arrived on the scene, and led home like a lamb. When irritated by the public he used to throw stones at them while he was located on the old pole-stand, which was on the natural ground floor, but after the new stand had been built on a concrete floor he resorted to dashing water over his tormentors, and many a man and woman has been justly rewarded for teasing with a sudden and unexpected ducking. Choiropithecus porcarius. CJiacma Baboon. Baviaan. This animal is subject to a large amount of variation, and whether two or more sub-species exist is at present not clear. Mr. Pocock has recently separated the Trans- vaal form from that of the Cape, but so far I can see no reason for so doing. The Chacina is usually of a dark olive-brown colour, darker on the lower half of the limbs — the hands and feet being generally black. Muzzle elongated. Some individuals are yellower, others greener in Jpne. The length of the head and body is about 3 feet, tail 1| feet. This animal is known to the Boers as the Baviaan, and is pretty evenly distributed all over the sub-continent. The Baboon with its dog-like face and sharp barking howl, is well known to nearly every resident in South Africa. It inhabits rocky hillsides and kranzes all over South Africa, being even found on Table Mountain. They go about in groups of various sizes, and are so depredatory in some districts that the farmers organize hunting parties to rid themselves of a few of the brutes. They live on fruit, vegetable matter, insects and spiders, and pillage the farmers' 12 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS mealie crops. They feed as a rule in the early morning and towards dusk. When encamped with a companion on the banks of the Crocodile River in the Hartebeest Poort (District Pretoria) one moonlight night, we could not get to sleep on account of the Baboons, which came swarming over the kranzes about 600 yards from us, FIG. 3.— Chacma Baboon. as we lay motionless under the trees. The barks of the adults and the incessant screaming of the young ones was anything but pleasant, and we could watch their every movement, it being a bright moonlight night. When feeding they are in the habit of throwing out sentinels to warn the troop of impending danger. When young they make pleasant pets, being intelligent and confiding, but old animals can seldom be trusted ; they CHACMA BABOON 13 are generally a little too ready with their powerful teeth. In the Eastern Province of the Cape the writer has seen large troops of Baboons stealing the green mealie-cobs and pumpkins from the lands, and a favourite method of killing them was to set a spring-gun across an opening in the hedge which surrounded the fields. They are often very tenacious of life, and old males sometimes take a lot of killing, although Major Hamilton thinks differently. I once saw an old male with five bullet holes in him being dragged along by natives, and he was continually catch- ing at and holding on to tufts of grass, bushes, &c., until a bullet in his brain put an end to his misery. Another hideous sight I have seen on more than one occasion was the tearing out of the entrails by Baboons wounded in the stomach. They will also stuff the wound with grass. The Chacma is fairly sagacious, and soon learns to perform various tricks, hence being in constant demand by circuses and menageries. An old male in the Pretoria Zoo was very good at somersaults, but he would not exhibit his skill without payment. I have repeatedly tried to cheat him into imagining I had food in my pockets for him, but he would take no notice of such make-belief, and refused to ' show off ' until the tit-bit was openly shown him. Another individual we have had for some time has learnt quite a number of tricks, and besides throwing somersaults, he twists or waltzes round to the left, as well as to the right, stands up, gives the military salute, shakes hands, puts on a hat, and fetches a stone or any other handy article pointed out to him. However, like the first-mentioned animal, he refuses to perform without being shown a reward in the way of something tasty, or he has to be threatened with a whip or stick. 14 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS Choiropithecus rhodesise, Haagner. Ehodesian Baboon. Bhodesies Baviaan. Description. — Upper parts of a grizzly olive-yellowish colour, much darker on the crown and along the spine, where the hairs are long and tipped with black, forming a mantle. These long hairs range from 5 to 12 inches in length. Legs, feet and tail coloured like the sides, the individual hairs being ringed with black and yellow, the tips being pale yellow and the bases grey. Below pale greyish white, especially the chin, lower cheeks and throat, insides of the legs, belly and a patch behind each armpit ; chest and limbs speckly. Muzzle considerably lengthened and pointed, more resembling that of the Chacma, and not short and rounded like that of the Yellow Baboon. Length of the head and body 3 feet 6 inches to 3 feet 9 inches. Length of snout from tip of nose to frontal ridge between eyes 6 inches. Length of forearm from tip of middle finger to end of elbow 16^ inches. Length of hand from tip of middle finger to metacarpal joint 6 inches. Length of top canines 2| inches. Ears rather small and almost hidden by the hair of the upper cheek. Tail long (2 feet 4 inches). Remarks. — This animal is bigger and heavier in build than any Chacma or Yellow Baboon we have ever possessed. In coloration the Khodesian Baboon some- what resembles the Yellow Baboon, but is darker and in build is much more like the Chacma. It lacks the darker tip to the tail often found with the latter animal, and has not black hands and feet. The cry of this species also differs somewhat from that of the Chacma, being shorter and more cough-like. This example was received in February, 1913, along with two others from Central Rhodesia, and noticing well-marked differences from young Chacmas, I kept one to see whether these 16 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS characters would persist in the adult animal. The example is now 6 years old and, I should say, fully adult ; I am describing it as well as I can from a living specimen. I have since received a skin and skull from a friend at Marandellas in Mashonaland, who told me, before he saw our example, that their Baboon was dif- ferent from the Chacma, and that it is common in that neighbourhood, but not easy to obtain on account of its wariness and the hilly nature of the regions it frequents. The receipt of the skin and skull confirms my opinion as to the novelty of the species. The skull appears to be intermediate in general characters between the Chacma and Yellow Baboons, and can be described as follows : — Skull of Bhodesian Baboon. — Parietals not so rounded or high as inporcarius, more like those of cynocephalus; sagittal crest more developed, although in very old Chacmas this is more advanced than that of the example on the accompanying plates ; frontals wider ; supra- orbital ridge well developed ; squamosal not so deeply dented as that of the Chacma. Nasals long, and broader than those of the Chacma, the nasal opening or orifice being much wider and more open than that of the Chacma, resembling in this detail more the skull of the Yellow Baboon; maxillae higher, with the ridges more pronounced than those of the Chacma Baboon. Measurements (in millimetres). — Total length of skull, 217 ; zygomatic width, 120 ; occipito-nasal length, 171 ; intertemporal width, 61 ; medium length of nasals, 77 ; length of upper canine, 40 (tips badly worn) ; length of upper molar series, 61 ; lower molar series, 82 ; length of mandible, 162. As will be seen from the above, the skull — like the rest of the animal — partakes of the characters of both the Chacma and Yellow Baboons THICK-TAILED LEMUR 17 With regard to geographical range, this is still in doubt. As I have recently received the skin of a fine male shot on the Kafue Flats in Northern Rhodesia by Dr. A. A. Schoch, the range of the species seems fairly wide. Family LEMURID^. In the more modern classification the Lemurs are relegated to a separate order, the Prosimise (Lemuroidea). They are usually nocturnal animals, covered with fur. Their home is in the Island of Madagascar, but several species are found in South Africa. These are charac- terized by their large, rounded, and nearly naked ears, which are capable of being folded at will. The eyes are large, and the tail is thick and bushy. The fingers and toes are supplied with flat nails, with the exception of the second toe of the hind limb, which has a distinct claw. Otolemur crassicaudatus. Thick-tailed Lemur. Bosch Aap. To the Natal Colonist it is known as the " Bushbaby," a name also applied in the Transvaal to the Night Ape or Moholi Lemur. The Zulus call it the " Sukwe." The colour is a yellowish to slaty grey, the hair being soft and thick. The ears, hands and feet are nearly black. The chin and underparts are yellowish-white. The tail, which is thick and bushy, is about a foot long. The total length of the head and body is only 14 inches. Teeth, 36 in number. This animal is found in Natal, Zululand, and the more thickly wooded portions of the Eastern Transvaal. The National Zoological Gardens possesses an example from near Lydenburg. This species was also procured in the Gorongoza Forest of Portuguese South-East Africa by 18 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS Mr. C. H. B. Grant, and I shot one near Bela Vista, in the Maputa District of the same territory in August, 1918, where it seemed to be fairly common. Little is known of the habits of this strange creature. Mr. C. H. B. Grant, who collected for the Kudd Explora- tion of South Africa, obtained examples at Eshowe and Ngoye Forest in Zululand, and says : " It is almost exclusively an arboreal animal. It sleeps during the day in some hollow tree, waking up at sundown, at which time and throughout the night its peculiar cry can be heard." The individuals in the Pretoria Zoo are not very regular in their habits, appearing one after- noon just before or after sundown, and perhaps on the following day not till dark. It feeds upon insects, fruit and gum. When irritated it makes a harsh, rattling cry somewhat resembling that of the Vervet Monkey, but not half so loud : I believe in its wild state the usual call is a plaintive cry not unlike that of a baby, hence its vernacular name of "Bushbaby." A closely allied species (0. garnetti) is supposed to exist, its geographical range overlapping to a certain extent that of the preceding animal. Galago moholi. Moholi Lemur. Nachtaapje. This is the Night Ape or Bushbaby of the Colonists, and Nachtaapje or Boschaapje of the Boers. The colour is a slaty-grey or mouse-grey above and a yellowish-white below. Chin and throat pure white. There is a white stripe down the nose and a dark ring round each eye. The tail is long, measuring about eight or nine inches, and has a bushy tip. The length of the head and body is about seven inches. The eyes are large and soft, and of a bright pale to hazel-brown PETER'S MOHOLI LEMUR 19 colour. One example in the Pretoria Zoo, caught in the Pretoria Bushveld district, has the terminal 2 inches of the tail of a pure white. This little animal ranges all over the wooded portions of the Transvaal, but has so far not been found in Natal or the Cape Colony. It is replaced in Rhodesia by the closely allied G. mossambicus, and in Portuguese South-East Africa by G. granti. The Moholi Lemur is very common in the Pretoria and Rustenburg Bushveld, whence the Zoo has had many examples. It feeds upon the gum of the mimosa tree, berries and fruit, as well as insects and spiders. It is nocturnal in habit, lying asleep during the day and going forth to feed at dusk. The Night Ape is a wonderfully agile little creature, and can leap remarkable distances for so small an animal. It makes an amusing and often lovable little pet. There is a female at present in the Pretoria Zoo suckling two young ones, which was captured with her young. Another female gave birth in October, while in captivity, to two young ones — so that two would appear to be the usual number. They cling to the mother like the young of the ordinary Ringtail Lemur and South American Marmosets, and ride on her back or hang underneath her as opportunity offers. Galago mossambicus. Peter's Moholi Lemur. Peter's Nachtaapje. This animal is mainly distinguished from the preced- ing species by its smaller size and relatively longer tail. It was obtained by Mr. C. H. B. Grant at Tette, on the Zambesi, and recorded by Mr. E. C. Chubb from Bula- wayo and the Mansamnyama Rivers (in the Bulawayo Museum) . 20 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS Galago granti. Grant's Molwli Lemur. Grant's Nachtaapje. This species was described by Thomas and Wroughton in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London as follows : — "Above drabbish brown ; below creamy buff. Alight nose-line and black rings round the eyes, as in G. moholi. Outer side of fore limbs light drab, paling to white on the hands. Hind limbs dull creamy buff. Tail long and very bushy, the hairs being nearly twice as long as those of molwli, the basal 3-5 being drab-brown like the body, and the terminal portion darkening to blackish brown. Muzzle longer than that of G. niolwli. Length of head and body 158 mm., tail 237 mm. ; habitat, Coguno and Inhambane, Gorongoza Forest, Portuguese South- East Africa (C. H. B. Grant). Common, inhabiting the forests ; nocturnal, sleeping during the day in hollow trees." Order CHIBOPTERA. The Bats, which animals constitute the above order, are mammals with the forelimbs greatly lengthened and supporting a membrane which is modified for flight. The bones of the arm and the four fingers are elon- gated ; the thumb or pollux is short and bears a claw, and is not connected with the flying membrane or patagium, which is united to the fingers, forearm, sides of the body, and tail. The teeth never number more than 38. The skeleton is very light. The name " Chiroptera " means " handwinged," from the fact that the apparatus for flight is furnished mainly by the fore limbs. Bats vary considerably in their powers of flight — as much, perhaps, as flying birds, and may be seen on the wing during the evening and night, making sudden dashes after insects. They possess a curious " second sense," which may be termed " tactile," although it appears to be something more ; they have the power of avoiding objects without actually coming in contact with them or being able to see them, which was once suf- ficiently proved by cruelly blinding the poor creatures and turning them out into a room across which a number of threads had been stretched. Bats are helpless on a flat surface, and can then only crawl very slowly. They usually suspend themselves by the hind legs head downwards from the rafters in ceilings, from ledges of rock or branches of trees, and remain like that during the day-time, sallying forth at night in quest of food. We found the limestone caves on the Hennops Eiver, 22 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS in the Pretoria district, full of bats — in fact, when we penetrated into the intensely dark interior we disturbed them by the score, and they left their perches in clouds as we advanced, and we could feel the "swish " of their wings as they continually dashed past us, repeatedly putting out our candles. The species obtained included the " Horseshoe Bat " (Rhinolophus augur), Petalia capensis, Mineopterits natal- ensis, and Nyctinomus cegyptiacus. The large majority of bats feed upon insects, but some live on fruit, while others — the Vampires of South America — are blood-suckers. South African Bats are of two sub-orders, the Mega- chiroptera (containing the large fruit bats) and the Micro-chiroptera (containing the smaller Serotine, Horse- shoe and Nose-leaf Bats, which are mostly insect eating). Family PTEBOPODID^. The members of this family constitute the largest of the Chiroptera, and feed upon fruit. The head is not short and skimpy, as in the other families, but is long and dog-like. The ears 'are small. There are two genera, distinguished mainly by the tail, that of E2)omophorus being free from the interfemoral membrane, while that of Rousettus is attached at its base to this membrane. Both genera contain two species found in South Africa. Epauletted Fruit Bat. Epomophorus walilbergi. Lips thick, having a swollen appearance. General colour, above mouse-grey, paler below. There are tufts of white hair on the inner margin of the ear, and also on the shoulders, where the glands are situated. The EPAULETTED FRUIT BAT 23 tail is very short, almost rudimentary, and concealed in the fur. The length of the head and body is 6£ inches (male), 5£ inches (female). This bat ranges from the eastern portion of the Cape Province through Natal and Zululand to the Equator. It was procured at Ngoye Forest in Zululand by C. H. B. Grant, who says that they do not fly until two hours after dusk, and that during winter they feed upon the berries of the syringa tree. Their usual food is figs, peaches, and any of the softer wild fruits. Epomophonis crypturus is a smaller species, closely resembling the foregoing in most respects. Common Fruit Bat. Rousettus collaris. Lips not swollen. The general colour above is brown ; paler below. The hair of the neck is long, and in the male of a yellow colour. There are no white tufts, as in the preceding species. Length of the head and body 5£ inches, tail £ inch. This bat is found throughout South Africa, and is common in Capetown and at Knysna, at which latter place Mr. C. H. B. Grant found it plentiful in a cave on the "heads." It devours ripe fruit, and, according to Mr. W. L. Sclater, is especially fond of loquats. Mr. Layard asserts that it will devour insects when no fruit is available. Yellow Fruit Bat. Rousettus stramineus. This species can be easily distinguished from the fore- going by its pale yellow colour (almost lemon yellow) It ranges pretty well all over the African continent, but South African records are few. An example in the Pretoria Zoo, from Durban, lived almost exclusively 24 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS upon bananas, but would also eat other soft fruits, such as apricots, &c. It would crawl down from its perch or branch (where it lay hidden all day) as soon as its food was put in the cage at about 4.30 p.m., and devour as many as three and four bananas at a time. Family KHINOLOPHIDZE. This family contains bats of small size with peculiar membrane-like expansions on the muzzle, the so-called " nose-leaf " surrounding the nostrils, whence the ver- nacular names of " Horseshoe " and " Leaf-nosed " Bats. Ears large and without an " inner-ear " or " tragus." First finger without a phalanx. Tail distinct. There are two genera of these insect-eating bats in South Africa : (a) Rliinolophus, with a complicated nose- leaf and the base of the lobe of the ear expanded ; teeth, 32. (b) Hipposiderus, in which the nose-leaf has the upper and hinder portions not terminating in a point ; no expanded margin of the ear ; teeth, 30. Genus RHINOLOPHUS. This genus contained in 1914 six South African species : Rhinoloplius ferrum-equinum, R. capensis, R. hildebrandi, R. augur, R. darlingi, and R. denti. The first-mentioned is the common European Horse- shoe Bat, characterized by the ears being very pointed and attenuated at the tips, the colour above being of a reddish-brown, and below of a pale yellow. Length of head and body 3 inches, forearm 2^ inches. The Cape Horseshoe Bat (R. capensis) is smaller than the European species (head and body 2| inches), and is of a paler red. The Augur Bat (R. augur] seems to be the common bat of the Transvaal and Bechuanaland. It is recorded NYCTERID.E 25 from Barberton, Woodbush, and Wakkerstroom by Mr. C. H. B. Grant, while Mr. 11. B. Woosnam wrote that he found some hundreds on the rocks in a shaft of an old gold mine near Kuruman, and that they are common, but only found in caves and similar localities. I collected some in a deep underground cave at Hennops Kiver, in the Pretoria district, where this species and several others were very common, and their guano formed a layer on the floor from 18 inches to 3 feet thick. Genus HIPPOSIDERUS. This genus contains about four species, the best known of which are H. caffra and H. commersoni. The former is grey above and paler below, and the latter a reddish brown above, grey on the sides, and whitish below. The former is the larger, measuring, head and body, nearly 4^ inches, while the latter is only a little more than 2-§- inches long. Family NYCTEKIML Nostrils surrounded by a nose-leaf, or placed some- times at the end of a long deep groove. Ears united and very large, with well-developed tragi. The genus Nycteris (also called Petalia) contains several species commonly known as " slit-faced " bats. The Cape Slit-faced Bat (N. capensis) has the ears longer than the head, and is grey-brown above and whitish below. Length of head and body 2f inches, tail 2 inches. It usually inhabits lofts and outhouses. Family VESPEKTILIONID^E. The nostrils are simple openings at the extremity of the snout. Ears moderate and usually separate, with a stiff process arising from inside the conch — the tragus. 2fa SOUTH AFEICAN MAMMALS The tail is long and attached in the membrane, with only the tip projecting. This is a large family of insectivorous hats, containing some half-score South African species, for a complete account of which the reader must refer to the recent papers of Mr. Knud Anderson and other mammalogists. The Serotine Bats (Vespertilio) and the Long-winged Bats (Miniopterus) are perhaps the best known of the genera. Several of the species were obtained by us in the caves of the Pretoria district. The best known species are (a) the Cape Serotine Bat ( Vespertilio capensis), which has the tail enclosed in the membrane, the ears of medium size and placed wide apart. Colour light brown. Width, with outstretched wings, 8f inches. (b) The Long-winged Bat (Miniopterus natalensis) resembles the preceding species, but is considerably larger. Ears short and broader than the head. Width, with outstretched wings, about one foot. Family EMBALLONURIDJE. The nostrils are simple, and situated at the end of the muzzle, which is truncated, Ears large and generally united. Tail partly free. There are two genera in South Africa, Taphozous and Nijctinomus. Of the latter there are several common species, of which perhaps the most abundant is the Long-tailed Bat (Nyctinomus cegyptiacus) ; it has a thick tail, free from the membrane for an inch or so. The ears are broad and large, while the upper lip is wrinkled. Colour brown. Length 2^ inches. The Brown Wrinkle-lipped Bat was also obtained by us in the caves at Hennops Eiver, Pretoria district. Peter's Wrinkle-lipped Bat (N. limbatus) is dark brown above, with the throat and abdomen white. Length of head and body, 2\ inches. Order INSECTIVOEA. This is a group of small, chiefly insect-eating animals, often differing very materially from one another in external appearance. The majority are characterized, however, by the possession of a pointed snout (on the upper lip) projecting beyond the lower jaw. Their molar teeth are provided with projections, called cusps, and their canines are weak and small. The feet are usually provided with five toes furnished with claws. The teeth number 40 to 42. Family MACKOSCELID^. Molar teeth broad, with the cusps forming a W shape. The muzzle is long and tapering, with the nostrils situated at the end of the snout. The fore limbs are short and the hind legs are much longer, the tarsus being shorter than the lower portion of the leg (or metatarsus), the animal resting on this after the manner of a kangaroo. The tail is long and almost devoid of hair. In South Africa we have two genera of these strange long-snouted little mammals, the first being Macroscelides. Trouessart recognized four South African species, and W. L. Sclater in his " Mammals : Fauna of South Africa " mentions five ; since then several species and sub-species have been added by Oldfield Thomas and his colleagues of the British Museum from material collected for the Rudd Survey of South Africa. As it would be idle to attempt a complete account of these little animals in a work of this nature, it must suffice if we mention the 28 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS commoner and better known species. These are the Common or Cape Elephant Shrew (M. proboscideus) and the Rock Elephant Shrew (M. rupestris). The former inhabits the plains or flats of the Cape Colony — especially lightly wooded tracts — the latter, rocky ridges or rocky patches or outcrops near water courses. It ranges from the Northern Cape Colony to the Transvaal. We have collected examples of the latter species at Orange Grove, near Johannesburg, and along the stony ridges of Pretoria. These belong to a sub- species named after Dr. Lyster Jameson, one time of the Transvaal University College. Both these animals are of a light brown colour, tending to a reddish tinge in some individuals. Below the colour is white, the latter gradually merging into the brown of the upper surface. The Rock Elephant Shrew is a little larger than the Cape species, measuring from 5 to 6 inches to the latter's 4f inches, and has reddish patches behind the ears, a characteristic wanting in the other species. The Cape Elephant Shrew lives in burrows in the earth, while the Rock species inhabits the cracks between the rocks, or forms cavities and runs under overhanging rocks. They both live upon insects of various kinds, grasshoppers and beetles probably forming the bulk of the fare. The mode of progression is kangaroo-like, a slow ungainly walk when the animal is at its leisure, or long rapid jumps on its hind legs when hurried or disturbed. The second genus, Petrodronws, has so far only been recorded within our limits from Inhambane, in Portuguese East Africa SOUTH AFRICAN HEDGEHOG 29 Family ERINACEID^]. This is a small family of little insectivorous and planti- grade animals with a small brain case, and possessing — with the exception of the single genus Gymnura from Malaysia — a projecting coat of short, strong and sharp spines. The claws are of simple structure, and the tail is short. There is only one other genus — Erinaceus — inhabiting the Palaearctic, Oriental, and Ethiopean regions. In the latter region six species are supposed to exist, only one of which is found in South Africa. Erinaceus frontalis, L. South African Hedgehog. Krimp Ijzervarkie or Ijgeltje. The upper portion of the body is covered with sharp spines about J inch long ; these are white, with a sub- terminal black or dark brown band and a paler tip. Head dark brown or blackish, with a white band across the face. Below coated with coarse hair, and of a mottled or grizzled grey-brown or white and brown colour. Five toes to both fore and hind feet, all of which are furnished with light claws. Length of head and body from 6 inches to 7| inches ; tail, | inch. This little animal is said to be rare in Natal and uncommon in the Karroo and south of the Orange River, but I have found it common enough around Brandfort, in the Orange Free State ; at Modderfontein, near Johannes- burg ; and in the neighbourhood of Pretoria, where it may be found amongst the plantations and scrub on the ridges and in the valleys. It feeds upon insects, chiefly grasshoppers and beetles, the larvae of various insects, slugs, snails, worms, lizards, &c. It is amusing to listen 30 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS to the — in comparison to its size — loud sniffs which this little creature emits when searching for its food. It is mainly nocturnal in habit, becoming active at sundown, and lying hidden amongst the undergrowth of a thick bush during the day-time. It rolls itself into a ball with great rapidity as soon as danger threatens, and is then not a pleasant object to handle. It is then immune to the attacks of dogs and the smaller wild carnivorous animals. In the Zoo it does not seem to thrive, and although the artificial diet of minced meat and hard-boiled eggs is supplemented as often as possible with meal-worms and other insect food it does not live very long in captivity, at least not in comparison with the majority of animals. Two years is the longest we have been able to keep one alive. A female was brought into the Zoo on one occasion with four young ones, which she succeeded in successfully rearing. On another occasion a female was brought in with seven young ones, but I think this number is exceptional. Family SORICID^. This family is a fairly large one, containing the true shrews. These are small animals of rat-like or mouse- like form, with a long and pointed muzzle (snout-like), the sides of which are swollen by the roots of the bristly whiskers. The dentition is variable, but there are always three molars, and in the lower jaw six teeth on either side. Eyes small and tail long and tapering. These little animals have, as a rule, a peculiar musky odour, which comes from a fluid which is secreted in glands opening near the bases of the fore limbs. There are two sub-families, Soricints and Crocidurinee ; DWARF SHREW 31 only representatives of the latter are found in South Africa. Genus CROCIDURA. The members of this genus are usually of small size, with pointed snout-like muzzles possessing swollen sides, which are caused by the roots of the " whiskers." The tail is tapering, and besides the clothing of short bristle- like hair, it possesses a number of scattered long whitish hairs. The mammae are six in number, and are inguinal. There is no canine tooth in the lower jaw, and only one premolar, the total number of teeth varying from 28 to HO. The Shrew Mice feed upon insects and their larvae and are thus true friends of the agriculturist. Trouessart, in his " Catalogus Mammalium," enumerates seven species, while W. L. Sclater, in his " Mammals," includes nine. A number of species have been described since then, however, principally by Oldfield Thomas, of the British Museum, and his colleagues, from material collected for the Budd Zoological Survey of South Africa. As they are difficult little animals to determine, being all of some shade of grey — light, medium, slate and dark — it would serve no good purpose to go into detail in a book of this nature. I will merely mention one of the species with which I have had a good deal of personal experience, and whose breeding habits I have been fortunate enough to observe. Grocidura Yarilla. Dwarf Shreiv. Dwerg Langsnoet Mids. This is one of the smallest of the Shrews, if not the smallest, in South Africa. It is nearly mouse-grey in colour, paler below, with the snout and pedal extremities white. Length of head and body about If inches. Tail nearly 1^ inches. 32 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS I found this little Shrew fairly plentiful at Modder- fontein Dynamite Factory, near Johannesburg, where it inhabited the disused hollow antheaps on the veld, FIG. 5. — Grey Shrew (Mysorex variiLS, Smuts). FIG. 6.— Albino Shrew. constructing as far into the centre of the mound as possible a round nest of grass, where it gave birth to from three to four blind and naked young ones. These little DWARF SHREW 33 creatures were, however, unusually active, and when exposed to the light would wriggle and crawl about in an energetic endeavour to hide themselves. I have tried to keep this little Shrew in the Zoological Gardens, as well as one other species (Crocidura silacea), but with not much success. The large Shrew (C. flavescens) is of a light reddish brown above, with long, soft fur, and whitish below. Length of head and body nearly 4 inches, tail 2 inches. The other genus (Myosorex) resembles Crocidura to a large extent, differing only in certain anatomical characters. It contains only a few species, the best known perhaps being the Grey Shrew or Skearer Muis (Myosorex varius), which has a small pencil of hairs at tip of the tail, and of which we append an illustration. This little animal measures about 3£ inches long with the tail another If inches, and is brown 'above, finely speckled with grey. Family CHRYSOCHLORID.E. This family contains the beautiful Golden Moles of South Africa, which are included in the two genera, Chrysochloris and Amblyosomus, and are characterized by the iridescent colours of the fur, which change in different lights. They are mole-like animals, differing, however, from the true moles in certain well-marked anatomical characters, such as the structure of the manubrium and clavicles, and in that of the hand, which bears but one exaggerated and lengthened claw for digging, whereas that of the true moles bears five strongly developed digging claws. They have very small eyes, which are nearly concealed by the skin, and ears devoid of conches, opening by a simple aperture almost 3 34 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS hidden by the fur. An external tail is absent. The family is confined to Africa, south of the Sahara. The genera are differentiated by the possession of 40 teeth in Chrysochloris and 36 in Ambhjoso?nus, and the FIG. 7. — Golden Mole at earthmound. former by a swelling in the temporal fossa, of which the latter has no trace. They live in underground burrows or run close to the surface of the earth, and feed upon worms, grubs, and the larvae of insects. The commonest species are Clirysocldoris aurea, the Cape Golden Mole, and C. hottentota, the Red Golden Mole, Order CARNIVOEA. This is a large and varied group of chiefly flesh-eating animals, and include, under the more modern classifica- tion now in vogue, only the terrestrial forms (Fissipedia), The feet possess four or five toes, usually provided with sharp claws. The clavicles, or collar bones, are absent, or when present are small or reduced. The incisor teeth are small and sharp, three pairs in both upper and lower jaw ; while the canines are large and projecting. The cheek teeth have cutting edges ; the first lower molar and the last upper premolar are modified to form the so-called carnassial teeth, Condyle of lower jaw transversely elongated, and fitted into a transverse groove on the base of the skull, which limits the movement of the jaw to only an up-and-down action. Living Carnivores are divided into three sections, the yEIuroidea (Cats, Civets, Hyaenas, &c.), the Cynoidea (comprising the Dogs, Wolves, &c., Canidce), and the Arctoidea (Bears, Eaccoons and Badgers). Family MUSTELINE. The Weasels, Badgers and Otters form a group of long-bodied animals distinguished by the absence of an alisphenoid canal to the skull, and by the number of the molar teeth, which are either one above and two below, on each side, or one above and one below. Dentition usually : Incisors 3/3, canines 1/1, premolars 4/4, molars 1/2. Auditory bulla dilated. 36 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS Genus MELLIYORA. Body thickset ; limbs and tail short. Soles of hind feet naked to the heel. Claws powerful. Mellivora ratel. The Eatel. Honing Das. The Honey-badger, as it is sometimes called, is greyish-brown above, some individuals being greyer than others. Below black with a pure white line on the side of the body sharply dividing the grey from the black. Total length about 2f feet. Tail about 9 inches. It is found all over South Africa, although seldom seen, owing to its nocturnal habits. It lives in caves, in hollows, or cavities amongst rocks, or in a hollow tree It eats almost anything from a snake to a fowl, and is inordinately fond of honey. It is a somewhat fierce little animal, and will vigorously defend itself against the attack of dogs. Its powerful jaws and persistent nature make it no mean enemy when wounded. The Zoo has not possessed many of these animals. We had a fierce old male from the Sabi Game Keserves, which lived in the gardens for more than a year, not- withstanding a bad leg injured by the effects of the gin- trap which deprived it of its freedom. In 1913, Mr. C. Jones, of Nylstroom, sent us a young one, which is an amusing and tame little animal. He is wonderfully insistent, and on one occasion kept on clawing at a brass padlock, which was an old one, until it dropped open, whereupon the little brute pushed open the door of its cage and climbed on to the roof, where it was found perambulating about, uttering its plaintive little whining call. Two fine adult specimens, captured in the Kusten- burg district, were added to the collection in October, 1916. One individual, presented by Mr. Fitzsimons of the Port CAPE POLECAT 37 Elizabeth Museum, was of an extremely destructive nature, gnawing his way out of several cages, and on one occasion killing a number of white rats, guinea-pigs- and rabbits, but eating none. Genus ZORILLA. Zorilla striata (Ictonyx capensis). Cape Polecat. Stink Muishond. This animal is rather slender in form, with a long and somewhat bushy tail. It is black in colour, with four longitudinal white stripes from the back of the head to the root of the tail. There is a white spot on the fore- head, and one on each cheek. Length of head and body about 15 inches ; tail 12 inches. The Muishond is fairly common all over South Africa and is nocturnal in habits, spending its time during the day in holes, clefts amongst rocks, &c., and feeding at dusk and during the night upon birds and small mammals, such as rats and mice, lizards and frogs ; it is also fond of stealing eggs and poultry from the farmyard. It has a habit of emitting a disagreeable odour from the anal glands when in any way disturbed, hence its in- elegant but appropriate Boer cognomen. I have often heard it said that dogs will not attack the Polecat, but such is not strictly the truth. Many dogs, especially sporting dogs, will not do so ; but I have known terriers — and on one occasion a pointer — make short work of one of these animals. The dog is, how- ever, not fit for human company for a day or two after this, on account of the clinging nature of the odour. Tame examples when undisturbed show no signs of this smell, and I have had several of them as pets. They were tame and harmless little animals, following me 38 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS about like a dog. They thrive well in captivity, living on raw meat, dead birds, mice and rats. Genus POECILOGALE. Body very long and slender, and the legs short. The teeth number from 28 to 30. Poecilogale albinucha. Snake Weasel. Slang Muishond. This little creature much resembles the Stink Muishond in coloration, differing from this animal, however, in that the whole of the top of the head (or crown) is white. Sometimes this may have a greyish or yellowish tinge. It is also a much smaller and lighter animal, measuring only about a foot in length, with a tail of 6. or 7 inches. It ranges from the Eastern Cape Colony northwards to East Africa. The National Zoo has so far only received examples from King- williamstown, which have been kindly sent us from time to time by Mr. F. A. O. Pym, of the local museum. It is of a retiring nature, lying up in a lair or burrow during the day. Its food consists of small mammals, birds, insects, &c. This, to me, is one of the most fascinating of the smaller mammals, as, apart from its peculiar shape and striking coloration, it is exceedingly plucky. We have not been able to keep them in captivity for any length of time, excepting the last pair, received by us in 1913 ; these we turned out into a small cage made of wire- netting and having a sandy floor. As soon as the door of the cage was opened the male would approach in a defiant manner, his back arched and his hair fairly bristling with rage. These two animals lived well in captivity upon chopped raw meat, hard boiled egg, and CAPE OTTER 39 bread and milk, with an occasional small rat, mouse or bird by way of a change. When in slow progression over the ground, the Snake Weasel reminds one forcibly of a caterpillar, the back being arched or humped up in a similar manner to that affected by this insect. Genus LUTRA. Head rounded and ears small. Toes of hind feet webbed ; soles of hind feet naked. Animals of aquatic habit. Otters are found all over the world, except in Australia. In Africa two species occur, both of which are found in the southern half of the continent. Lutra capensis. Cape Otter. Kaapsche Otter. This is the larger of the two species, and is by far the commoner. We have met with it in the Uitenhage, Albany, Queenstown and Aliwal North divisions of Cape Colony; at Brandfort, O.F.S. ; and at Modderfontein, Irene and Pretoria, Transvaal. It measures from 30 to 36 inches in length, with the tail another 16 to 22 inches. It is of a dark brown colour, with the tip of the nose, upper lip, cheeks, chin and throat white. There are no claws on the fore feet, and only two small nails on the hind feet. An example of this Otter lived in the Pretoria Zoo for close upon three years, and was a tame and intelligent creature, coming when he was called. He slept in a box containing hay or grass, and was not very regular in his habits, coming out to bathe at all hours of the day and night. He devoured a large daily ration of sea-fish, but accepted and ate with avidity an occasional crab as a special dainty. 40 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS Lutra maculicollis. Spotted-necked Otter. Gevlekte Otter. This is a much smaller animal than the foregoing, being only about 21 inches in length. Besides being easily distinguishable from the preceding species by its small size, it has the toes of both fore and hind feet armed with strong claws, and fully webbed. The throat and chest are spotted with pale red. Otters are essentially aquatic animals, living in streams, darns, &c., where they feed upon fish, crabs and molluscs. We have known of instances where they have ravished poultry runs, devouring the eggs, and killing fowls and ducks. SADDLE-BACKED JACKAL 41 Family CANID^E. The members of the dog family are easily characterized by their digitigrade feet (bearing four toes on the fore, and either four or five on the hind feet, which are not retractile), well-developed legs and lengthened muzzle. There are four pre-molar teeth on each side above and below, and from two to four molars (usually two above and three below). They have more teeth than the Felidae, the number ranging from 42 to 48. Genus CANIS. Four toes on the front and five on the hind feet. Tail less than half the length of the animal. Pupil round. Dentition (on each side) : Incisors three above and three below, canines one and one, premolars four and four, molars two and three = 42 teeth, which are all strongly developed. Only two species of this genus are found in South Africa — the Jackals — which are fox-like animals of mostly nocturnal habits, lying hidden during the day-time in a hole or lair under a thick bush. Jackals are fond of decaying flesh, but when this is not available will kill and devour poultry, lambs, game birds and small mammals. The Black-backed Jackal is common all over South Africa, whereas the side-striped species is scarce, and its habits little known. Trouessart, in his " Catalogus Mammalium," includes these Jackals under a separate genus, which he calls " Thos." Canis mesomelas. Saddle-backed Jackal. Booi Jakhals. (Also called the Black-backed Jackal, Silver Jackal, and Golden Jackal by the colonists.) This animal has the back of a mottled greyish black colour, the sides of the body of a reddish hue, the two 42 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS colours being sharply divided by a black line. The underparts are of a much paler tint than the sides. The ears are of large size and of a reddish colour behind. The tail is bushy and has a conspicuous black tip ; length about 13 to 14 inches. The length of the head and body is about 3 to 3f feet. The animal is subject to a good deal of colour variation, ranging from a pale greyish fawn to a brilliant reddish chestnut, but this is largely due to age, season, and possibly even to sex, as I have never seen a female as brilliantly coloured as some males we have possessed. The young pups are of a drabbish brown colour, darker on the back and paler below. It is fairly evenly distributed over the whole sub- continent, and latterly " Jackal Clubs " have been instituted, with the object of exterminating the animal. It is especially common in the Transvaal Bushveld, where its unearthly howl can be heard any night, the creatures being bold enough at times to come fairly close to the hunter's camp fire. The skins are much prized for karosses. This animal is much execrated by the Cape farmers on account of the destruction it causes amongst the sheep flocks, especially at lambing time. Canis lateralis. Side-striped Jackal. Vaal Jakhals. This is a much more sombrely coloured animal than the preceding, being of a silver or drabbish grey, darker on the back. On each side of the body there is a diagonal whitish stripe bordered on the lower edge by a black stripe. The chin is pale brown ; throat and chest reddish brown. The tip of the tail is white, which SIDE-STRIPED JACKAL 43 characteristic serves to distinguish it from the other species, even in one-day-old puppies. Total length about 2i to 2f feet ; tail 12 to 14 inches. This species has so far not been found further south than the Magaliesberg Range in the Central Transvaal. In Rhodesia it appears to be fairly common. The Zoo has had examples from the following localities : Settlers FIG. 9.— Side-striped Jackals. (District Nylstroom), Sabi Game Reserves, Pretoria, Belfast, Middelburg. A female in the collection gave birth to two litters, one of three and the other of seven pups ; the period of gestation was 57 days and 60 days respectively. Genus YULPES. Muzzle more pointed than in the Genus Canis ; form more slender. Tail long and bushy. Pupil vertically elliptical. Ears large. Teeth similar to those of the Genus Canis, but weaker. 44 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS Yulpes chama. Silver Fox. Zilver Jakhals. The colour is of silvery grey above, becoming on the lower portions of the body of a reddish yellow. The fur is long, soft, and of a finely speckled appearance. The skins of these handsome little foxes are in great demand for karosses, muffs, furs, &c. The ears are large and of a reddish brown colour behind, with a yellowish patch at the bases. There is a black patch on the hind leg between the knee and the hock. The tail is almost a foot long, bushy, and of a yellow and black colour with a black tip. The length of the head and body is about two feet. This animal is known in the Natural History books as the Fennec, or the Asse Fox, and to the Boers as the Zilver Jakhals, or Vaal Jakhals, although the latter name is also applied to the Side-striped Jackal, and the former shared by the Black-backed. It is, however, a true fox. It is fairly evenly distributed over South Africa, but is nowhere exactly common. I procured several examples in the Eucalyptus Plantations near the Rand. The Zoo has had examples from Springs, Machadodorp, Middelburg, Klerksdorp, Brandfort, Standerton, Carolina, Heidelberg, Warmbaths, and Pretoria. Sclater gives its diet as insects and fruit, and says it has never been known to injure stock. We have had some difficulty in keeping these animals alive in cages, but since we have had them transferred to an open camp of fair size with the natural ground for a floor they have done very much better. Their food consists of raw meat, and bread and milk, upon which they thrive fairly well. We have now had one particular individual in captivity for three years. He is very fond of climbing up into the branches of a thick cypress tree growing CAPE HUNTING DOG 45 in the camp, and it looks as if the wild birds which perch in the topmost branches are the attraction. He has escaped several times by climbing up the wire netting, but does not wander far from the camp, and is soon recaptured. Another individual, which had been the pet of a little girl, was exceedingly tame, following one about like a dog, and was fond of being petted. Genus LYCAON. Closely resembling the Genus Canis, but differing in the fact that both fore and hind feet possess only four toes each. In addition the skull is more robust. Lycaon pictus Yenaticus. Cape Hunting Dog. Wilde Hond. This creature is dog-like in general appearance, stand- ing rather high on its legs. It is of a yellowish colour, irregularly marked with dark brown, almost black patches and blotches. Some examples also have white markings diffused amongst the brown and yellow. The ears are large and broad, and the tail is bushy with the terminal half white. The Wild Dog, as it is commonly called in South Africa, varies very much in coloration. The Transvaal Museum contains a fine mounted pair presented by Major Stevenson Hamilton, of the Sabi Game Reserves, in one of which the black predominates, and in the other the yellow. The length is about 24- feet. Tail from 12 to 14 inches. The Hunting Dog is found all over South Africa, ranging as far north as Somaliland. The Zoo has had examples from Eustenburg, Pietersburg, Lydenburg, Sabi, Piet Retief, and Zululand. It hunts in packs, moving about the country in search of food, seldom remaining long in one place. It has a sharp bark, 46 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS besides its other cries. The farmers execrate this animal in districts where it is prevalent, as a pack has been known to kill from 60 to 100 sheep in a single night. Smuts gives the number of pups at a birth as from ten to twelve, but this seems rather high. Several litters of four, one of six and one of seven, have been sent to the National Zoological Gardens, which seems a more FIG. 10. — Cape Hunting Dog. likely average. They are brought forth in a hole or burrow. A pair in the Zoo have had two litters, one of four young ones and one of an unknown number. Notwithstanding all precautions having been taken to ensure quiet and isolation, the mother carried the first lot about in her mouth until they were all dead, and the second litter she devoured before they were twenty-four hours old. At one time considerable difficulty was experienced in rearing the pups brought in, imost of them dying of enteritis before they had reached the •'• -A«^ FIG. 11. — Cape Long-eared Foxes. FIG. 12.— Cape Long-eared Fox and Young (ten days old). 48 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS age of six months. The writer then had the young ones placed in a large camp with the earth as a natural floor and fed them sparsely, with the result that the exercise and low feeding, with an occasional gorge (on tripe), proved successful. Genus OTOCYON. Animals resembling the fox, but with very long ears ; five toes on the hind and four on the fore feet. Teeth 45 to 48 in number. Otocyon megalotis. Cape Long-eared Fox. Draai Jakhals. This animal is very much like the Silver Fox in its general coloration and appearance ; it is however of a darker grey, the upper parts being without any trace of yellow. PIG. 13. — Cape Long-eared Foxes. (Mother and cubs, three months old.) The chin is dark brown, while the under parts are very pale— almost white. There is a dark streak through the eyes and one down the centre of the nose. Ears very large, standing up like those of a clipped bull-terrier ; the AARDWOLF 49 tail is thick and bushy, the terminal third being black. Length about 2 feet, tail 1 foot. It inhabits the western portion of the sub-continent, ranging as far east as Uitenhage, in the Cape Province. It is nocturnal in habit, going about in pairs as a rule ; it is a fairly omnivorous feeder, small rodents and insects forming the bulk of its fare. In the Zoological Gardens they live principally on bread and milk and raw meat. They are especially fond of monkey-nuts (ground nuts), which are given to them several times a week. They become very tame in captivity. A. female possessed by us for some years reared several litters of three, the period of gestation being practically the same as that of the Side-striped Jackal, namely sixty days. This little animal has a lovely thick fur, and its pelt is much prized for furs and muffs. It is known to the furriers and curio-dealers by its native name of " Macloutsie." , The Zoo has had examples from the Northern Cape Colony, and from the Kustenburg, Bank, Zeerust and Pretoria districts in the Transvaal. Family HYAENID^E. Digitigrade animals of carnivorous habit, with the fore quarters higher than the hind ones, the back sloping downwards. Genus PROTELES. Fore feet with five and hind feet with only four toes, The claws are not retractile, and the mode of walking is digitigrade. The dentition is weak. The form is hyaena-like. 4 50 SOUTH AFEICAN MAMMALS Proteles cristatus. Aardwolf. Manhaar Jakhals. This animal is hyaena-like in build, but smaller ; of a yellow-grey colour, banded by black stripes, which are wide apart. Legs banded with black, the portion below the knee and hock quite black. Tail short, bushy, and black-tipped. The hair along the back is long and crest- like, which gives to the animal its Boer vernacular name of " Manhaar Jakhals" (Maned Jackal). Length about 2i feet, tail about 10 or 11 inches. FIG. 14. — Young Aardwolves. The Aardwolf is a cowardly, skulking, harmless animal, ranging from the Cape to Somaliland. It is mostly nocturnal in habit, passing the day in a burrow or lair in a thick bush, and is found in bushy country, as well as on the open veld. I have seen them prowling about in search of food in the evening after sunset, and on one occasion in broad daylight. Their food appears to consist mainly of insects, especially ants and termites, but probably includes small animals, birds, reptiles, &c., when procurable. I have not bred this animal yet, but judging by the litters brought in for sale, the number BROWN HYAENA 51 varies from two to four, the former being the more usual ; it is a timid, retiring animal ; we had one half-grown specimen, which was very tame and would come for his food when called. It is a difficult animal to rear and keep in captivity. Genus HYAENA. Four toes on each foot, supplied with non-retractile claws. Tail short. Teeth 34, which are powerful and well adapted for crushing bones. There are two species in South Africa. They are nocturnal animals, remaining concealed during the day in holes, caves, or lairs in thick bush, and issuing forth at night in search of dead animals, which are their favourite food, although they will kill and devour sheep, calves, donkeys, &c. They are cowardly animals, as well as greedy, and have excellent powers of scent and hearing. The dismal howl of the Hyaena is proverbial, the spotted species also emitting a maniac-like laugh, whence the name "Laughing Hyaena." Hyaena brunnea. Brown Hyaena. Strand Jut. This is the Strand Jut or Strand Wolf of the colonial ; it is of an ash-brown colour, the hair on the hinder portion of the back being long. Throat, chin and cheeks very dark — nearly black. Legs banded with dark brown. Length of head and body about 4 feet, tail 1 foot. This species is more or less confined to the south- western portion of South Africa, ranging as far north as the Zambesi. It is still not uncommon in the Pretoria and Rustenburg districts. We saw a fine old male caught in a gin-trap on June 7, 1914, on the farm Buffelsdraai, about 50 miles north of Pretoria. 52 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS Hyaena crocuta. Spotted Hyaena. Gevlekte Wolf. The Tiger Wolf, or " Wolf " as the colonials usually call this animal, is of a yellowish-grey colour, the body being covered with round dark brown or black spots or blotches. Tail tipped with long black hair. Length about 4 feet 6 inches. Tail 14 inches. This species seems to be distributed over the whole of South Africa, and was at one time common in Cape Colony. The Zoological Gardens had one of these animals for five years, which had been obtained by Major Hamilton at Sabi. This individual often emitted the unearthly howling laugh characteristic of the species, more especially towards sunset. It was destroyed after a long course of fits, in which it got knocked about rather badly. A second example, presented by Mr. Thys Uys, of Groenvlei, Piet Retief, was exceedingly tame, would come when called by name and allow himself to be patted and stroked. This animal indulged in wonderful gambols at sunset, racing round his cage, spinning round like a top, and jumping about in the exuberance of good health and spirits. Trouessart, in his " Catalogus Mammalium," enumerates three species of Hyaena in South Africa, the third being Hyaena cap en sis. Family VIVEBRID^E. This is a somewhat variable family of small carnivorous animals confined to the Old World. Some of the mem- bers of the group are plantigrade, while others are digiti- grade. The body and head are both elongate in shape, and the limbs fairly short, as compared with the Felidce- The second pair of lower incisor teeth usually project above the level of the first and third pairs, while the AFRICAN CIVET CAT 53 upper carnassial is without the anterior lobe characteristic of the foregoing family. The premolars are three to four and the molars one to two in number on either side, both above and below. Well developed perineal scent-glands are usually present. Alisphenoid canal generally present. Genus YIYERRA. Body somewhat stout ; limbs fairly long and tail short and tapering. The underside of the tarsus is quite covered with hair and all four feet are furnished with five claws. FIG. 15.— African Civet Cat. Yiyerra ciYetta. Civet Cat. Muakus Kat. Ground colour yellowish to slaty-grey, marked with dark brown spots and blotches, the markings arranged more in the form of bars on the fore part of the body. The ears are large, rounded in shape, and with white tips : the hair along the back is fairly long, forming a 54 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS mane-like crest ; tail tapering and ringed with black and white, tip black. Total length of animal about 4 feet. This animal is found throughout the warmer parts of Africa, extending as far south as the Central and Eastern Transvaal. The Zoo has had examples from the Sabi Game Reserves, the Bustenburg district, and from Hectorspruit in the Eastern Transvaal. An individual from the first-named locality, presented by Major J. Stevenson Hamilton in May, 1908, is still alive. Its diet consists of raw meat, bread and milk, and occasionally a few raw eggs. Owing to its being largely a nocturnal animal little was previously known of its habits, but Major Hamilton, in his interesting book "Animal Life in Africa," gives a fair account. He says : " It favours thick bush and is solitary and nocturnal, lying hidden during the daytime in the grass, under a bush or in a hole in the earth. Its food consists of berries, ants, locusts and other insects, lizards and frogs, as well as rats and mice and other small rodents. Carrion is also eaten. In addition to the foregoing varied bill of fare it will devour the eggs and the young of game birds, and will even steal poultry when opportunity offers." Genus GENETTA. Small animals with long slender bodies, short limbs and long tails. The ears are long and prominent. The metatarsus has a narrow line of bare skin running up to the heel, which characteristic is sufficient to distinguish the members of this genus from Viverra. There are five toes to each foot. These animals have the power of emitting an evil-smelling fluid from the perineal glands. South Africa possesses a number of species, ranging pretty well over the whole country. They are nocturnal, LARGE RUSTY-SPOTTED GENET 55 remaining concealed during the daytime under a bush, in a tuft of grass, or in a tree. They feed upon insects, birds, small mammals, and ravage the poultry yards when they get an opportunity. To the Boers they are known as Mosiliaat Katten. Thomas and Wroughton give the following key to the two groups into which these animals naturally fall (see P.Z.S. for October, 1908, " Mammals from Zambesi ") : — A. Forefeet black. (a) Hairs of dorsal crest and tail long (at least 50 mm. near base of tail) ; dorsal spots relatively small, with a distinct tendency to coalesce into longitudinal stripes, tail-tip white — felina group. (b) Hairs of dorsal crest and tail short (not more than 35 mm. at base of tail) ; dorsal spots large, always distinct, tail-tip black — tigrina group. GROUP B. Genetta rubiginosa. Large Rusty-spotted Genet. Groote Boodgevlekte Mosiliaat Kat. This species would appear to be the northern repre- sentative of the Cape Colonial G. tigrina, as it resembles this animal in the large size of the blotches and in the absence of a pronounced dorsal crest (or mane) along the back. The ground colour is a sandy-grey or yellowish- drab, and the spots are of a rusty-red or chestnut-brown, often surrounded by a blackish ring. This latter charac- teristic was the main reason for the description of a new species — G. letabce — by Messrs. Thomas and Schwann in 1906, from specimens collected in the Eastern and Northern Transvaal by C. H. B. Grant, but which they discarded at a later date upon the receipt of a larger 56 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS series of skins. As far as I can judge from the examples which have passed through my hands in the Zoological Gardens, the younger animals possess these dark edges to the blotches, and the older the animal becomes the paler the blotches get, and the fainter the rings appear. I make this assertion as I have received several half- grown animals with the blotches of a reddish-brown, and the dark rings very pronounced, while others again — the largest received, and seemingly old animals — were with paler spots without the darker margins, or these but faintly discernible. Legs pale greyish-fawn, only the soles of the hind feet being dark brown. The spots of the lower half of the hind legs are dark brown, as well as the rings of the tail. This species is apparently not found south of the Central Transvaal, except on the east. The Zoo has had examples from the Pretoria district, Tzaneen and Natal. Genetta tigrina. Large Black-spotted Genet. Groot Zwartgevlekte Mosiliaat Kat, Ground colour grey, of a paler tint, shaded with yel- lowish in some individuals. There is a black stripe along the back. The sides of the body are spotted with large squared blotches of black, arranged in three longitudinal rows. Ears sparsely clothed with white hairs. Legs, from above the elbow joints downwards, of a black colour. Tail long and ringed with black and whitish, the tip being black. Length of head and body about 23 inches, tail 17 to 18 inches. The animal is fairly common in the Cape Province, but does not seem to be found north of the Orange Eiver. The Zoo has had examples from Kingwilliamstown and Mowbray, C.C. SMALL RUSTY-SPOTTED GENET 57 GEOUP A. Genetta felina. Small Black-spotted Genet. Klein Ziuartgevlekte Mosiliaat Kat. Eesembling the previous species, but the spots are much smaller, and are arranged in five rows. The hair of the back and tail is much longer than that of tigrina, as already stated in the Key, and forms a crest or mane. The upper portion of the forelimbs is of the same colour as the body in front, the lower portion being black ; the legs black behind. All five toes are white. The tip of the tail is also white. Length of head and body 24 inches. Tail 17^ inches. This species ranges from the Cape, through Natal and Zululand, to the Eastern Transvaal, where it seems to overlap with the succeeding species (G. ludia}. The Zoo has had examples from the Pretoria district and the Sabi Reserve in the Transvaal, and from various districts of the Cape. Genetta ludia, Thomas and Schwann. Small Busty-spotted Genet. Klein Eoodgevlekte Mosiliaat Kat. Similar to G. felina, but the spots on the body, especially those on the lower portion, are of a dark rusty-brown, often more or less coalescing into bars or stripes. The forelimbs are of the greyish fawn or drabbish tint of the body, and are without the black lower half characteristic of felina, the rear margin only being black. The stripe along the back is black, like that of G. felina. I am not certain, with the paucity of literature at my disposal, whether this is not Matschie's zambesiana, but pending further investigations I give it the name chosen for it by Thomas and Schwann from specimens collected in the North-Eastern Transvaal by C. H. B. 58 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS Grant. This species puzzled me for a long time, and I first considered it the young or immature form of G. felina. The receipt, however, of a typical adult felina female, with a litter of three young ones, followed shortly afterwards by half-grown young ludia, captured in the Pretoria district, caused me to reject this theory. Then the Eudd Zoological Survey papers appeared, with the result above mentioned. In the Pretoria district it is the commonest species, and G. rubiginosa is also found here, but so far tigrina has not been brought to me from the district. The collection has had examples of this Genet from the following localities : Pretoria, Kus- tenburg and Pietersburg. Genets remain fairly fierce and shy creatures in cap- tivity, lying hidden in their beds of hay or crouched on the trunk of a tree during the day. They are, moreover, quarrelsome brutes, and we have lost a number of them owing to free fights having taken place from time to time amongst the inhabitants of a cage. Genus HERPESTES. Ears very short and broad, hardly projecting above the level of the surrounding hair. There is a narrow naked groove running down from the nose to the upper lip. The hair of the body is of a grizzled appearance owing to the individual hairs being ringed with two different colours. They are from small to medium sized animals, of chiefly carnivorous habits. Herpestes caffer. Large Grey Mongoose. Groot Vaal Mwslwnd. This is the largest species of the genus, measuring some 26 inches in length, exclusive of the tail, which is WATER MONGOOSE 59 another 18 inches. In colour it is a speckled grey, the hairs being ringed with black and white. Tail tapering towards the tip, which is black. It is recorded from Knysna, C.P., whence the Trans- vaal Museum has obtained specimens. Mr. C. H. B. Grant says it is now rare in that locality owing to its fondness for chickens, which has caused its destruction. The Zoo has obtained examples from Natal and the Eastern Cape Colony. Herpestes galera. Water Mongoose. Groot Zwarte Muishond or Kommetje Kat. This animal is nearly as big as the preceding species, being 24 inches in length, with a tail of 13 to 14 inches. It is a somewhat thickset animal, dark brown in colour, the hairs being ringed with blackish or dark brown and pale yellow. The legs are darker brown, the hairs on this region not being ringed. The tail is tapering, being bushy at the base and graduating towards the tip, which is a little darker than the basal portion. The Water Mongoose is partly aquatic, taking to the water when pursued. Its usual haunt is a reed or rush-bed on the bank of a river, stream, or vlei — or in the long grass bordering the vleis. In captivity it is fond of lying in the water basin, or splashing the water about until the receptacle is empty. Mr. Woosnam procured it at Kuruman in Bechuanaland, and says its food consists chiefly of fish, frogs and crabs. The Transvaal Museum contains specimens from Knysna, C.P., and the Zoo has obtained examples from Elizabeth- ville (Belgian Congo), Bank, Brits, Pietersburg, Lichten- burg, and Pretoria (Transvaal). When captured young, it makes a tame and amusing pet ; indeed, we have possessed examples quite as tame 60 SOUTH AFEICAN MAMMALS as the ordinary Mierkat. They thrive well upon bread, milk, raw meat and hard-boiled eggs. Herpestes pulverilentus. Small Grey Mongoose. Klein Grys Kommetje Kat. This is a small edition of the Grey Mongoose, and is principally found in the Cape Province. It is about the same size as the Slender Mongoose. Herpestes albicauda (Ichneumia a.). White-tailed Mongoose. Witstaart Kommetje Kat. This is a larger animal than the Water Mongoose, but with a more slender body. It is of a grey colour, with the legs, from the elbow downwards, of a blackish hue, The latter two-thirds of the tail is white. The length of the animal varies from 22 inches to 24 inches. The tail is another 16 inches. In Natal this species seem to be common. The Zoo has had examples from Natal. Tzaneen (Northern Transvaal), Pretoria District and Barberton. In captivity it is the wildest and shyest of the Mon- goose tribe, showing itself only at night. It will eat raw meat, and bread and milk. Little is known of its habits in a wild state. Herpestes gracilis. Slender Mongoose. Eooi Mierkat. This is a small slender little creature, of a grizzled yellowish or reddish brown colour, with the limbs and underparts generally paler than the back and sides. It has a long black-tipped tail. Total length of body, 12 inches. Tail, 11 inches. This species has been split up by European naturalists into several sub-species or geographical races, which need not concern the beginner in Natural History nor PIGMY MONGOOSE 61 the sportsman-naturalist. The sub-species usually found in the collection of the Pretoria Zoo is H. gracilis typicus, and we have obtained examples from the Pretoria district, where it may usually be found in stone walls or rocky kopjes. If captured young it makes a tame and amusing little pet, but does not become so confiding nor so tame as the Suricate. It is, like its congeners, practically a carnivore, but it will devour insects such as grasshoppers, locusts, &c., and birds' eggs, whenever opportunity offers. There are several other species of Herpestes (or Mongos, as they have also been called generically), viz., H. ruddi, H. punctatissimus, which we have so far not met with. Genus HELOGALE. Pigmy Mongoose. Dwerg Kommetje Kat. Body slender and legs short ; tail tapering. Naked line between nose and upper lip. Tarsus naked ; five toes to each foot. Teeth 36 (i., f ; c. } ; p.m. f ; m. f). The Pigmy Mongoose (H. parvula), and its Eastern representative, but recently described, H. brunnula, are the smallest members of the Viverridce, being only 8 to 9 inches long, with a tail another 5i inches. The former is of a dark grizzly grey brown, and the latter of a dark speckly brownish-slate colour. We have possessed quite a number of the latter species from Hectorspruit, in the Middleburg district of the Central Transvaal, and from the Eustenburg and Pretoria Bush- veld. At first they are of a wild, shy, and retiring nature, dashing into their caves or grottoes at the least external disturbance, or at the approach of anyone, but after some months they become tamer, and will allow them- selves to be seen. We have fed them upon finely chopped 62 SOOTH AFRICAN MAMMALS raw meat, hard-boiled eggs, and bread and milk. The egg seems to be necessary, and takes the place of the insects they feed upon in their wild state. A female gave birth in the Zoo to two litters — the first of two, and the second of four young ones. It was a pretty sight to watch the little ones, no larger than a mouse, playing about in the bright sunlight like kittens. Genus CROSSARCHUS. No naked line from nose to lip. Other characters as in Helogale. C. faciatus. Banded Mongoose. Gestreepte Kommetje Kat. This is the common species of the Natal coastal belt, ranging westwards into Bechuanaland and northwards to Rhodesia. It is of a grizzled grey, banded on the hinder portion of the body with dirty white, reddish and black, the hinder portion of each white stripe shading from white, through reddish, to black. The tail is black towards the tip. Length of head and body, 16 inches; tail, 8 inches. It lives in small communities, more resembling the true Mierkat in habits than those of a Mongoose. It feeds upon fruit, insects, &c. Mr. C. H. B. Grant says it is not common, and it frequents the thornbush and thickly wooded sluits and river banks, usually in parties of six. I found it fairly plentiful between Palapye Eoad and Serowe in Bechuanaland, and its skins very often adorned the karosses of the local natives. It becomes very tame in confinement, and like its relative the true Mierkat, makes a lovable pet. It will eat meat and the usual articles of diet mentioned in regard to the other species. THICK-TAILED MONGOOSE 63 Genus CYNICTUS. No naked line from nose to lip. Five toes on the fore and four on the hind feet. Tarsus hairy. Cynictus penicillata. Thick-tailed Mongoose. Geel Mierkat (Yellow Meercat of the colonials.) Colour yellowish, darker in some, paler in other indi- viduals. The tail is bushy and has a white tip. Length of head and body, 15 inches ; tail, 9 inches. The Yellow Mierkat is found in the Eastern Cape Colony, ranging as far north as Lake Ngami and Southern Rhodesia. It is very common in the Orange Free State, where the writer met with it in the Bloem- fontein and Kroonstad districts, and in the Central Transvaal about Johannesburg and Pretoria. I have also come across them at Serowe in Bechuanaland, and at Volksrust in the South-Eastern Transvaal. They live in small colonies or family parties, construct- ing burrows on the veld, at the edges of which they may often be seen sitting up on their hind legs and looking inquisitively round them, ready to pop into their holes upon the approach of an intruder. I have often noticed in the Orange Free State that they live cheek by jowl with the Ground Squirrel, both species inhabiting burrows in close proximity to one another. They are fairly fast runners, and are adepts at the art of doubling ; hence it is not such an easy matter to catch them with a dog as is popularly supposed. They live on insects, small rodents, and birds which they stalk in the grass after the manner of a cat. Birds' eggs are also a favourite article of diet. Although I have seen very tame individuals, it does not become anything like the tame confiding pet the 64 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS Common Suricate invariably makes, being naturally of a much fiercer disposition. It is also of more carnivorous habits than the Mierkat, and I would warn owners of a tame Thick- tailed Mongoose to beware of their pet if any young chickens should happen to be about. In captivity they require little else than raw meat, but an occasional rat or bird will help to keep them in condition. A second species (Cynictus selousi) was described by de Wmton from a skull picked up in South Rhodesia. Genus SURICATA. Little animals with a slender snout, and without the naked line from nose to lip. There are only four toes to each foot ; the claws of the fore limbs are very long. The tarsus is naked and the tail is tapering and without the bushy appearance so characteristic of the Mongoose family. Ears small and rounded. Suricata tetradactyla. True Mierkat. Graatje Mierkat and Stokstaart Mierkat. In general coloration this little animal varies from grizzled grey to a tawny grey colour, banded on the back with indistinct dark brown or reddish brown bars. The tail is relatively short, has a black tip and is not bushy. Length of head and body, 12 to 14 inches ; tail, 6 to 8 inches. It is one of the commonest and most sought after pets in South Africa, as it becomes very tame and confiding, running about the house loose, and following the inmates like a dog. It has one objectionable habit, to my mind, and that is the little whining bark it emits, sometimes for half an hour at a stretch, which is apt to become irritating after a time. It is a courageous little animal, and will walk up to a strange dog, no matter how big HUNTING LEOPARD 65 the latter may be. This pluckiness, combined no doubt with curiosity, has been the cause of the untimely death of many a household pet. In captivity it will eat almost anything, but raw, finely-chopped meat and hard-boiled eggs should form the staple diet. In the wild state it lives in colonies or family parties in burrows like its near relation, the Thick-tailed Mon- goose, and like it, is fond of lying basking in the sun or sitting up on its hind legs near the burrows. It feeds upon insects and their larvae, bulbs, as well as small mammals, such as mice, &c., reptiles, birds and their eggs, when procurable. It ranges from the Western Cape Colony through the Karoo, Orange Free State, and Namaqualand to the Southern Transvaal. It is especially common in the Central Orange Free State where it may often be found in fair-sized colonies on the open veld. Generally two young ones are born at a time, which are reared in a nest at the end of the burrow. A pair in the Zoo gave birth to three half naked and blind young in February, 1919. Unfortunately they did not live long, as the mother insisted upon carrying them about in her mouth until they were dead. Family FELLOE. Feet digitigrade (viz., the animal walks on the tips of the toes) with five toes on the fore, and usually four on the hind, feet ; toes armed with sharp claws, which are quite retractile, except in the single case of the Hunting Leopard or Cheetah. Skull, short and rounded; teeth, twenty-eight to thirty, with the canines strong and well developed. 66 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS Cynailurus jubatus guttatus. Hunting Leopard. Tier or Jacht Tier (Tijger). Panther, of the colonials. Cheetah, of the Anglo- Indian, which is the name generally given to it in the Natural History works. FIG. 16. — Hunting Leopard, or Cheetah. This graceful creature is placed in a separate genus by itself, mainly on account of its claws being only partially retractile. In general coloration it is of an ochreous yellow, more sandy in some individuals, profusely marked with solid rounded black spots. As a rule, the upper portions of the body are darker and more inclined to reddish than the lower. The hair is thick on the nape and shoulders, standing up in the form of a mane or HUNTING LEOPARD 67 crest. The head is blunt in shape, and the ears short and rounded. The tail is long, with the tip bushy. A fine mounted example in the Transvaal Museum, which lived for a long time in the Zoo, measures : Length, 3| feet exclusive of the tail, which is another 2-J feet ; height, 28 inches. The Hunting Leopard or Cheetah FIG. 17.— Cheetah Cub. stands higher on its legs than a true Leopard, being more dog-like in build. Its geographical range resembles that of the Caracal, but in South Africa it is now seldom seen, being commonest in Bechuanaland and the Sabi Game Reserves of the Eastern Transvaal. The Zoo has now a lovely example captured in the Waterberg district of the Transvaal, and presented by Mr. and Mrs. Bateman : "Billy," as he was named by his former mistress, is — like most Cheetahs — of a friendly and amiable disposition, and answers fairly readily to his name, purring loudly when called and spoken to, and usually coming up to the bars of his cage for a caress. 68 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS He is so tame that he can be handled while he is at his meal, which is a very unfeline-like trait. There was for many months a tame true Leopard in the next cage to Billy, and although to all intents and purposes of as docile a nature as the Cheetah, the difference between the two became immediately apparent at mealtimes, as the Leopard's nature changed at once, and she had to be chained up to a stake in the ground before her meat was brought into the cage, the smell thereof causing her to become excited and obnoxious. As is well known to naturalists and people living in India, the Cheetah is tamed by the Hindoos to hunt the Blackbuck, and is one of the fleetest creatures known. It inhabits open grass country or grass veld dotted with scattered bush, seldom resorting to heavily timbered tracts. In South Africa its food consists mainly of the smaller antelope, such as Duiker, Steenbuck, &c., and I believe Baboons form, when available, a special delicacy. Besides the Waterberg district, the Zoo has had examples of the Cheetah from the following localities: Nyasaland, ex-German South-West (" Bernard," still living and pre- sented by Lieutenant Wimble, S.A.M.R.), and from Malalane, Eastern Transvaal (Captain Atmore). Felis leo. Lion. Leeuiv. This animal, called the " King of the Forest " and the " King of Beasts" in the story-books, needs but little description. It is of a general tawny or sandy-yellow colour, with a black patch at the base of the ears. The males possess a mane, which in some examples is coloured like the body, while in others the hairs are strongly tipped with black. In some the mane may be very scanty and restricted in area ; in others it may be thick and bushy, extending over the shoulders and along the LION 69 belly. The tail is furnished with a tuft of long black hair at the extremity, as well as a horny spur-like growth. The length of the head and body varies from 6 to 7 feet, with the tail about another 2i feet. The lion is now extinct south of the Orange Biver, and is at present only found — within the boundaries of South Africa — in South- FIG. 18. — Black-maned Lion : "Prince." West Africa, the Northern Kalahari (Bechuanaland Pro- tectorate), Ehodesia, and from Zululand through the Eastern and North - Eastern Transvaal to Portuguese territory on the east. Lions go about in pairs or family parties, and generally inhabit thickets in sandy or rocky localities, or dry reed patches in river-beds, &c. They are chiefly nocturnal in habit, prowling about after sunset in search of the animals which form their food. This consists of the 70 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS larger game, mainly antelopes of all kinds, but also includes zebras, giraffes, and buffaloes. They will kill the donkeys and cattle belonging to prospecting and hunting parties, and will raid Kaffir kraals when driven to it by hunger. Man-eating lions are generally old animals with bad teeth. They usually drink in the evening between sunset and 10 p.m. Their call is the well-known and awe-inspiring roar, but the lion also emits a kind of coughing grunt. Two to four cubs are born during the months of November to March. The period of gestation, as first observed by Bartlett in the London Zoo, and verified by me in the Pretoria Zoo, is sixteen weeks. The lion is easily tamed, and forms, with the Bengal tiger, one of the chief attractions of a circus or menagerie. The lion has also been crossed with the tiger, the cubs being very pretty animals. Lions are, however — like most of the cat tribe — of uncertain temper, although less treacherous than most felines. Two cubs born in the Pretoria Zoo were, when young, quite devoid of any fear for human beings, making no attempt to run away when approached, and they had finally to be lifted up and carried from one cage to another, refusing to be scared thither by sticks and shouts. The eyes of the two cubs were open on the sixth day. A fine lion in our collection is very tame, and usually comes for a caress when called. The collection also contains an interesting and much travelled old lioness. This animal (" Beauty " by name) was given by the late Cecil John Rhodes to the President of the South African Republic (the late Paul Kruger), but was returned to the donor, who then sent her to the London Zoo. After the Boer War the Zoological Society, upon being informed of the existence of the then embryo Zoo in Pretoria, kindly sent "Beauty" out again, and she FIG. 20. — Six weeks old Lion-cubs (suckled by Bull-terrier Bitch). FIG. 21. — Six months old Lions (the same as above). CAPE WILD CAT 73 has lived in the gardens for sixteen years, being one of the pets of the staff. A few years ago her claws had grown into the pads of the feet, owing to the incessant walking on the concrete floors, and they had to be cut off and extracted. This operation was performed without chloroforming the animal, merely by putting her in a large crate and fastening up her legs with ropes. Tame as she was, she objected very much to the procedure and growled, spat, and snarled like a freshly caught animal. A fine pair of 3-year-old lions were obtained by purchase from the Belgian Congo in 1916. The female has given birth to two litters, the first of four (which she did not rear) and the second of three, by a fine Black-maned Somali Lion. It was then discovered that the mother had no milk for her offspring, so they were removed when only 18 hours old. and put on to a bull terrier bitch, who — with the subsequent aid of an old pointer bitch — successfully reared two of the cubs. Photographs of the cubs, aged 6 weeks and 6 months respectively, are appended. Felis caffra. Cape Wild Cat. Wilde Kat or Vaal Boschkat. (Also called Wild Cat, or Caffre Cat, by the colonials.) General coloration resembling that of the tame " tabby " of the yellowish type — the ground colour varying from a speckled grey-brown to a greyish yellow, marked with more or less distinct dark horizontal stripes. Chin white. Back of the ears reddish brown. Limbs darker than the body and ringed with black. Tail ringed towards the end with black and with a black tip. The kittens are paler and yellower in tone than the adults, with the mark- ings paler and less distinct. Length of head and body of adult, 2 feet. Tail, 9 to 10 inches. The Wild Cat is fairly common throughout the wooded 74 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS tracts of South Africa. It is nocturnal in habit, prowl- ing about at night in search of food, and visiting poultry yards whenever it gets the chance. It lies asleep during the day in its lair in some reed bed, thicket or bush, where it also brings forth its young, varying from two to four or five in a litter. The usual number appears to be four. It lives chiefly upon rats, mice, and other rodents, and birds — especially the young of game birds. It is a fierce and almost untameable animal, exhibiting but little fear of man. I remember some years ago coming suddenly upon a pair while shooting in the mimosa scrub, near Brandfort, Orange Free State, and they calmly stood and looked at me for a few seconds before leisurely galloping off into the bush. This animal often figured amongst the day's bag of a shooting party in the eucalyptus plantations north of Johannesburg, where it no doubt played havoc amongst the young guinea-fowl and francolin, Mr. W. L. Sclater, in his " Mammals of South Africa," mentions the fact that some writers recognize two varie- ties in South Africa, and when I sent him some skins from Modderfontein, near Johannesburg, in 1904, he thought they might be those of F. chaus, the Indian Jungle Cat, or a closely allied species. The general tone was yellower than that of the Common Wild Cat, and the tail appeared to be shorter. The subject, however, requires further consideration before any definite con- clusion can be arrived at. In captivity the Wild Cat remains a fierce, snarling creature. The kittens are very difficult to rear in captivity, but latterly I have had more success by giving them more room for exercise, fresh air in plenty, and the natural earth as a floor for their cage instead of concrete or wooden floors. The Zoo has had examples from Kleinpoort, Grahams- BLACKFOOTED CAT 75 town, Norvals Pont, Port Elizabeth, and Three Sisters, in the Cape ; Pretoria District, Rustenburg, Settlers, Nijlstroom, and Sabi in the Transvaal; and Bethelem, Orange Free State. Felis nigripes. Blackfooted Cat. Klein Gevlekte Kat. Smaller than the Kaffir Cat ; and of a sandy or tawny colour, covered with round or oblong very dark brown or black spots. Ears slightly pointed, and of a speckly brown colour. Legs ringed with black : tail indistinctly dnged or spotted and tipped with black. The soles of the feet are quite black, hence its name. This species is very distinct from the preceding, both in coloration and general appearance. In coloration it is more like the Serval, but is shorter on its legs, besides being a much smaller and more compactly built animal. Length of head and body, 20 inches. Tail, 6 inches (Sclater). The largest the Zoo has ever pos- sessed (a fine example from Kimberley) measured 19 inches long, but the usual length seems to be about 16 inches. It ranges from the Central Cape Colony to the Eastern Transvaal. It is not uncommon in the Pretoria District. We procured two half-grown young ones while shooting at Jericho in the Bushveld in June, 1914 — they were hiding from the dogs in a low thick bush, and were easily caught. The Gardens have had examples from the following localities : Kimberley, Wolvehoek, Elands River, and several other places in the Transvaal. It is a very difficult animal to keep alive in captivity, pining away and dying very suddenly. Old examples, when captured, only sulk and refuse to feed. It is also of a wild, retiring nature, and almost impossible to 76 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS tame, spitting and snarling at one after many months of captivity. Leopardus pardus. Leopard. Luipaard and Tijger. (Sometimes " Tiger," of the colonials.) The Leopard is almost as well known an animal in South Africa as the Lion, and its handsomely marked skin is much prized by Europeans and Blacks alike. FIG. 22. — Baby Leopards at play. The ground colour of the fur is of a yellowish shade, fading to white on the region of the belly, covered with dark brown or black spots, those on the back, sides and flanks being arranged so as to form incomplete rings with light centres. The tail is ringed. Length of head and body from 3 feet 6 inches to 5 feet. Tail, '2 feet 6 inches to 3 feet. It is a shorter-legged, longer-bodied animal than the Cheetah, from which it is further dis- tinguished by its "ringed " spots. The Leopard is found LEOPARD 77 all over Africa, and also inhabits a large portion of India. In South Africa it is not uncommon in the more wooded localities ; and is still fairly common in the Albany Division of Cape Province, where a dark or melanistic variety also occurs. The Zoo has had examples from India, Ceylon, Mo9ambique, Khodesia, Pietersburg, Belfast, Sabi, and South-West Africa. The latter animals appear of a more sandy tone than those from the Union. FIG. 23. — Young Leopard (" Nora "). The Leopard's favourite haunts are on rocky hillsides or amongst thick bush, but sometimes it may be found on rocky or stony kopjes, where there is little or no bush. It hunts singly or in pairs, and is more nocturnal in its habits than the lion. Its food chiefly consists of Dassies, Baboons, Monkeys, Cane-rats, Duikers, Bluebucks, and other small Antelopes, and it will steal lambs, pigs and poultry from the farmyard. The Leopard is an active 78 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS climber, and ascends large trees. We have seen one descending from a tree and sliding down the trunk as a cat would slide down a pole. It gives birth in the spring to from three to six cubs, the former being the more usual number. Although not to be trusted with as much confidence as a Lion, we have possessed one or two very tame examples, notably a female called "Nora," who lived in the gardens for three years, until she was viciously done to death— for no accountable reason — by a male leopard. Up to the last she could be taken out of her cage and walked about the grounds on a chain (when the public were absent). Several litters have been born in the gardens, three being the usual number. The cubs are barely 6 inches long when born, and are blind and helpless. At six weeks they begin to play like kittens, and a prettier sight can hardly be imagined than a dozing leopard with her cubs gambolling around her. The period of gesta- tion as observed here is from ninety-two to ninety-five days. Zibethailurus serval capensis. ServaL Tier (Tijger) Bosch- kat. (Tiger Cat of the colonials.) This animal is a higher, "leggier" looking animal than the common Wild Cat. It is of a reddish yellow ground colour, varying individually — some being darker and others lighter in shade — covered with solid black spots, which take the form of bands on the nape and sides of the neck and upper shoulder. Length of head and body about 2| feet, tail 9 inches. A fine example in the Pretoria Zoo stands 18 inches high at the shoulders. SOUTH AFRICAN LYNX 79 The Serval ranges throughout the sub - continent, although nowhere common. It inhabits the reed-beds or thickets of bush, but prefers the neighbourhood of streams. It lives chiefly on small mammals and birds. PIG. 24. — Serval, or Tiger Bush-cat. The Zoo has had examples from Griqualand East, Sterkwater, Pisanghoek, and Rhodesia. A fine pair has been recently received from Barotseland — a present from His Excellency Lord Buxton. Caracal nubica. South African Lynx. Rooikat. (Caracal of the Natural Histories.) This animal can at once be distinguished by its general reddish colour and pencilled ears. The chin, upper throat, and lower portion of the cheeks are white, while the tufts of long hair on the ears are black. The tail is short 80 SOUTH AFKICAN MAMMALS and of the same colour as the body. Length of head and body about 3 feet. Tail, 1 foot. This handsome creature is an inhabitant of the entire African continent, extending even to Arabia, Persia, and India, although the Caracal of the latter regions bears a different sub-specific name. FIG. 25. — African Lynx, or Caracal. We have found them not uncommon in the neighbour- hood of Grahamstown, and in certain bushy tracts of the Orange Free State. The Zoo has obtained examples from Mafeking, Kimberley, Christiania, Van Rynsdorp, Griqualand, and Serowe. It preys upon small mammals and birds, especially game-birds and their young, and has been known to ravage sheep kraals. It is of a some- SOUTH AFRICAN LYNX 81 what fierce nature, and will even after some years of captivity growl and spit at the approach of anyone. We have, however, at present a female which has been hand- reared, and which is as tame as a house cat ; it will come up to the bars of the cage when called, rubbing itself •against the sides and purring loudly in a similar manner to the familiar " tabby." \ Order PINNIPEDIA. .:A group of carnivorous animals specially adapted by Nature for an aquatic life, including the Walrus, Seals, and Sealions. The limbs are modified to form paddle- like or fin-like appendages termed "flippers," the digits of which are united by a membrane. Tail short. Family OTABIID/E. This family contains the Eared Seals, characterized by the possession of a small external ear, and by the structure of the hind limbs, which project forward, and so enable the animals to progress on land. Arctocephalus capensis. The Cape Sealion. Zeeleeuw. (Robbe or Seal of the Cape fisherman ; Seadog or Seabear of the Natural Histories and Whalers.) This animal is also called the Cape Fur Seal, although it is not a true seal at all. Captain Woodward, of Sea- lion fame, told me that he considered the Cape animal not nearly so intelligent as the Californian species ; at any rate, when judged from the standpoint of the trainer. In coloration it is of a rich dark brown, ruddier on the neck. Old males have a fairly well developed mane all round the neck. Length about 6 feet ; tail, 3 inches. It is an inhabitant of the sea, landing upon the small islands along the south and south-west coasts of South Africa to breed in the summer, when the females usually give birth to two young — or to shed their fur in winter. The skins form, on account of the fur, an article of THE CAPE SEALION 83 Commerce, fetching about 25s. each on the London market. The Zoo has possessed eight of these animals, living for nearly three years in this altitude, and in fresh water. They were fairly intelligent, coming when called, or at feeding time, jumping out of the water and clambering FIG. 26. -Cape Sealions. up a rockery to dive off for their fish. Their speed in the water was wonderful to see, and as their tank is 100 feet long they could develop a good spurt. During the heat of the day they would lie on the water only half sub- merged, with the body in a peculiarly curved attitude, not making a movement, except to blink an eye or scratch themselves. They had voracious appetites, and would swallow 10 Ib. of fish each, when given them, and then 84 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS look for more. When we lost the last two through an accident — the one overbalanced itself from the top of the rockery, falling backwards and striking its head on the rocks at the edge of the water — they were only about three-quarters grown, so I presume full-grown animals would easily devour 20 Ib. of fish per diem, if it was given to them. Family PHOCID^E. True or Earless Seals. The chief external character which distinguishes the members of this family from the eared Seals and Walruses, is the backwardly directed nature of the hind limbs, being more like a paddle or rudder. There is no external ear, and the front limbs are smaller than the hind ones, and have well developed claws. The under surfaces of the feet are covered with fur. Macrorhinus leoninus. Elephant Seal or Sea Elephant. Zee-Olifant. This Seal, which is the largest of the pinniped carnivora, takes its trivial name from" the proboscis-like appendage on the nose of the male, which can be expanded at the will of the animal. The teeth are small, and the cheek teeth are of simple structure. There are no claws on the hind feet. The colour is grey, with a blackish tinge, and is darker above than below ; fur coarse and short. Length from 15 to 20 feet (males), 9 to 10 feet (females). This seal formerly inhabited the islands of the South Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, but is becoming scarcer and more restricted in range, owing to constant ELEPHANT SEAL OR SEA ELEPHANT 85 persecution. It was common on the Falkland Islands and Tristan da Cunha, but is now scarce on the former, and has entirely disappeared from the latter. As one or two examples have been procured off Mozambique, I am including the species in my work. The Transvaal Museum contains the skeleton of one from Delagoa Bay. Order BODENTIA. This is a large group containing the so-called "gnawing " animals, which are usually of small size and are characterized by the possession of chisel-like incisor teeth in both jaws, which are curved, rootless and extend far back into the jaws : these teeth grow throughout the life of the animal and are kept within bounds by the gnawing of wood, &c. There are no canine teeth, and the premolars are reduced. Their feet are plantigrade or nearly so. Eodents are found all over the world, being commonest in South America, and scarcest in Madagascar and Australia. Most rodents are herbivorous, although some are carnivorous feeders. Typical rodents first made their appearance in the Upper and Lower Eocene periods. There are two sub-orders, the Simplicidentata (with only one pair of upper incisors) and the Duplicidentata (with six above and two below at birth ; the outer pair of the former is soon lost, the second pair being considerably reduced in size, the third pair being large). The Simplicidentata are divided into three "tribes": the Sciuromorpha, containing the Squirrels and Beavers, the Myomorpha, with the Eats, Mice, Jerboas, Mole-rats, &c., and the Hystricomorpha containing the Springhares, Porcupines, Agouties, Pacas, Cavies, &c. Family This is a small family in South Africa, containing only four species of Squirrels. The skull possesses post-orbital processes, and the molars are tubercular and rooted. The premolars number two above and one below. YELLOW SQUIRREL 87 Paraxerus cepapi. Yellotv Squirrel Gele Eckhoorntje. Grey-footed Squirrel of some authors. General colour above of a grizzled yellowish colour, owing to the hairs being black at the bases, and with a subterrainal black ring ; below much paler — almost white. The ears are of moderate size and sparsely haired. The tail is bushy and of a darker appearance than the body, the yellow hairs bearing a double ring of black. Length- of head and body 6 inches, tail 6i inches. This little squirrel is the commonest and most widely distributed of the few arboreal species in South Africa, and is found in the Pretoria and Rustenburg bushveld, especially in the more wooded valleys of water-courses. It feeds upon the berries and seed-pods of various trees, principally the fruit of the " marula " when in season ; and it descends to the ground in search of bulbous roots of various kinds. It is usually found singly or in pairs, and it can run up the perpendicular trunk of a tree with great ease and rapidity. 1 also met with this little animal at Serowe in Bechuanaland, and while strolling round near the magistrate's house there I saw several scampering over the ground, dashing from one tree to another; they appeared to be fairly tame. This species is said to inhabit the whole of Ehodesia — in fact the first examples the Zoo possessed came from Shesheke on the Zambesi River — Damaraland and Nyasaland. It is a sprightly little creature in captivity, making for itself a round nest of grass, to which it retires for the hot part of the day, issuing forth to feed towards sunset. During the morn- ing it climbs and runs about with rapidity, and will come up to be fed from the hand. A female in the collection gave birth to two young ones. When captured young it makes an interesting and tame little pet, but is not so easily tamed as either the Mierkat or Ground Squirrel. 88 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS There are two other species found within our borders ; of these the Bed-headed Squirrel (Paraxenis palliatus) differs mainly from the previous animal by being of a rufous colour below, and ranging from Zululand in the east up through Mozambique and Nyasaland to Central East Africa. The Striped Squirrel (Paraxenis congicus) is browner above than either of the preceding species and can be immediately recognized by the two parallel stripes which run from the shoulder to the hind limbs : a pale yellow one above, below which there is a dark one. This is a West African form, coming as far south as Ovamboland in South West territory. The American Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) was introduced into Cape Town some years ago by the late Cecil Rhodes and has multiplied to such an extent that it has now overrun the Cape Peninsula and has become a pest in gardens and orchards Geosciurus capensis. Ground Squirrel. Waaierstaart. Although often called a Mierkat by the South Africans and especially by the Boers, this animal is, needless to say, not a Mierkat at all but a true rodent — a squirrel adapted by nature for a life on the ground instead of amongst the branches of trees, like its relations all over the world. Above and on the sides it is of a pale red-brown, or greyish-brown colour slightly speckled with black, the hairs being short and bristly ; a narrow white stripe runs from the shoulders to the haunches, and the underparts of the body are also white ; eyes fairly large, but an ear conch is absent. The legs have four claws on the fore and five on the hind feet. Tail bushy, laterally flattened, greyish — with a pale line down the centre, darkening GROUND SQUIRREL 89 towards the tip, where the hairs are banded with black and white. The length of the head and body is 1 foot ; the tail about 10 inches. The head is broad. The Ground Squirrel ranges from the central portions of the Cape Province (the Karroo-veld) northwards through the Orange Free State and the Bechuanaland Protectorate. It is purely a terrestrial animal, forming burrows or holes in the earth, where numbers live together in colonies or warrens ; several may often be seen sitting up on their hind legs like Mierkats, watching with great interest and curiosity any passer-by. Should the intruder approach too closely, into their burrows they all scuttle, one or two, more venturesome than the rest, popping their heads out for a last peep. It has a peculiar habit of flashing the tail up and down (hence their Dutch name of " Waving-tail "), and has a weird whining shriek when alarmed. When captured young this squirrel makes a tame and charming pet, running about the house with the freedom of a cat. It feeds chiefly upon bulbs, such as the " eentje " and the roots of various plants, grain and seeds. Numbers of these squirrels have been bred in the National Zoological Gardens and the quota of young at a birth apparently varies from two to six — four being the usual number. They live well in captivity upon maize, sunflower seed, monkey-nuts (ground-nuts), acorns, &c. The genus Geosciurus with its single species is peculiar to the African continent. Family GLIRID^E. Dormice. Bos-staart Nuisen or Zeven-slaper. This is a group of small mouse-like animals with long bushy tails, slender forelimbs, and large ears and eyes. Their dentition is : 1 incisor above and 1 below, no canines, 1 premolar, and 3 molars above and below 90 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS on either side = 20 ; the incisor teeth are grooved. The Dormice are of arboreal habits and of a greyish colour. Trouessart, in his " Catalogus Mammalium," only mentions three species for South Africa, while FIG. 27. — Cape Dormouse. Mr. W. L. Sclater describes five in his " Fauna of South Africa : Mammals," vol. ii. Since the appearance of the latter work a few more species have been described, notably by Roberts of the Transvaal Museum, including Graphiurus pretorifs, from Pretoria, and Graphiurus castwoodce, from the Woodbush. The commoner species are : — EATS AND MICE 91 Large Grey Dormouse (Graphiurus ocular is), measur- ing some 6 inches in length, with a tail of 4 inches with no white tip. This Dormouse is said to range all over Cape Colony, extending into Damaraland and the Central Transvaal. It is easily distinguished by its prettily marked black-and-white head. Cape Dormouse (Graphiurus murinus), measuring only slightly over 4 inches, and with a tail of 3^ inches, also without a white tip. It is found in the more wooded districts, ranging from East Africa southwards to Cape Colony, and is usually arboreal in habit, although it may be found in old stone walls, &c. There are three more species inhabiting Rhodesia and South-West Africa which need not here concern us further. These little animals live in holes or hollows in trees, under thatched roofs of houses or huts, or even in old stone walls, where they build a nest of grass or other suitable material. We have kept both species described above in the Pretoria Zoo, where the Cape Dormouse has even bred, bringing forth three naked and blind young ones in a rounded nest of tow and grass, built inside a small square box. They fed upon sunflower seeds, ground-nuts, bread and milk, &c. ; but insects and their larvae, fruits, berries, and young shoots, &c., form the bill of fare in the wild state. Like their European relations they hibernate during our cold months. Family MUEID^E. Rats and Mice. Eotten en Muizen. A family of small to medium-sized rodents, without premolars, a reduced pollex (first toe of the hind foot) and, with few exceptions, a sparsely haired tail. The skull is without post-orbital processes and has contracted 92 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS frontal bones. The dentition is : incisors 1-1, canines nil, premolars nil, molars 3-3 on either side, making a total of ]6 teeth. There are a fair number of South African species referable to twelve genera, which I will not describe in great detail, owing to the fact that the smaller rodents are of a difficult group to work at, and require more than the average knowledge of anatomy possessed by the amateur zoologist or field naturalist. Genus TATERA. Gerbilles. Haarstaart Mnizen. Hat-like in build with long hairy tails, pointed snouts and moderate ears only slightly hairy ; the hind feet are long and possess four circular tarsal pads. They reside in subterranean burrows and feed on seeds, roots, &c. Trouessart recognized four species, Tatera lobengula, Tatera afer, Tatera brantsi and Tatera paeba. .The latter is of a reddish orange colour above and white below, whereas the first three are of a brownish fawn — paler or darker according to the species. Genus PACHYUROMYS. Closely allied to the true Gerbilles, but with much shorter tails and the tympanic bullae of the skull much swollen and enlarged. One species is found in Namaqua- land, Damaraland and Bechuanaland (Pachyuromys auricularis), which is of a tawny brownish colour with a darker mottling of the thick short fur. Genus OTOMYS. Water Rats, Vlei Eottcn. liat-like animals possessing short tails covered with scales and bristles. Ears generally large, and hind feet short. Trouessart recognized five species, but several TREE MICE 93 more have been described since the last edition of his " Catalogus Mammaliuin." This genus contains the " Vlei " Rats, animals about 9 inches in length and of a dark brown colour, living in the marshy spruits and vleis, or in the scrubby bush localities of the veld. In the Pretoria District the Brown Vlei Eat (Otomys irroratus) is found amongst the rushes and reed beds of the Aapies River (being found even within the precincts of the Zoo), where it makes runs or pathways for itself through the undergrowth, and subsists upon bulbs, roots, &c. It does not live ver}' wrell in captivity, the majority soon getting a species of dysentery which speedily carries them off. The other species are Otomys unisulcatus, Otomys brantsi, Otomys sloggetti and Otomys broomi. Genus DENDROMYS. Tree Mice. Boom Muizen. This genus contains the small tree mice with long scaly tails sparsely covered with hairs. They have .slender legs and large ears. Four species are found in South Africa. There are two chestnut coloured species : a larger with usually, though not invariably, a black stripe down the centre of the back (Dendromys meso- melas), length 3^ inches, tail 3| inches — ranging from Nyasaland to Cape Colony ; and a smaller (Dendromys pumilio) scarcely 2 inches in length, with a tail of 2i inches, without a black dorsal stripe. Both species are whitish on the underparts. The Chestnut Tree Mouse (D. mesomelas) is fond of the reedbeds bordering watercourses, vleis, &c., where they commandeer the nests of weaver birds wherein to bring forth their young. It may also be found in bushy localities, where it makes a nest for itself in the branches of a tree or bush. The 94 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS Small Tree Mouse (D. pmnilio) is similar in habits to the preceding species. Both the above species have been kept in the Pretoria Zoo, where they lived fairly well upon bread and milk, bird seed, grain, &c. There is a third species, the Grey Tree Mouse (Dendromys melanotis), easily distinguish- able from the first two by its general greyish tinge. It also possesses a black line down the centre of the back. Length of head and body, 2| inches ; tail nearly 3 inches. It has so far only been recorded from the coastal tract from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth and Durban. Two genera — Steatomys, with one species (the short- tailed Fat-mouse), and Melothrix with two species of Mouse Gerbille — need not here concern us further. Sub-Family MUBINJE. This sub-family embraces the true rats and mice. Genus MUS. Muzzle pointed, no cheek pouches. Eyes prominent. Tail more than half the length of the body and covered with scales, and generally also a few bristly hairs. The incisor teeth are not grooved and usually fairly narrow. This is a large genus, but so far only thirteen indigenous South African species are enumerated by Trouessart. To this were added a number recently described by Thomas and Schwann, and others. To this genus belongs the two domestic Hats — Black and the Brown (Mus rattus and M. decumanus) and the House-Mouse (M. musculus), both of which have now overrun South Africa. The Black rat has become very common in Pretoria during recent years and together with its brown cousin has become a pest in the Zoo, although constant war is waged on them. WHITE-NOSED EAT 95 The commonest of the wild or indigenous species is perhaps the White-nosed Eat (M. coucha) which I have located in the neighbourhood of Johannesburg and Modderfontein, and in the Eustenburg and Pretoria districts. I procured it at Modderfontein amongst the mimosa scrub, where it constructed runs and burrows, FIG. 28.— White-nosed Eat. and in hollow antheaps on the veld not far from scrubby or reedy localities. Here a rounded nest of grass is made and the young brought forth and reared. This species has bred in the Pretoria Zoo, and three would appear to be the usual number of a litter. It feeds upon almost any vegetable matter, and in captivity is fond of sunflower seeds and bread and milk. It is of a dark slaty-brown above and dirty white below, with the tip of the nose and 96 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS feet white. Length of head and body 4i inches ; tail 3J inches. This species has the widest range of any rat on the African continent, being found from Abyssinia and the Congo, southwards to Cape Colony. The small Field Mouse (Mus minutoides) (called by Oldfield Thomas and Trouessart (Leggada minutoides) is a small fawn-coloured mouse with white underparts. It measures some 2| to 2), inches in length, with the tail another 2 inches. I also took this little mouse at Modderfontein from hollow antheaps, where — like its larger congener, the White-nosed Eat — it makes a small domed or rounded nest of grass. It doubtless also makes nests amongst the cornfields and mealie lands where it is also found. A closely allied form, more chestnut in shade, inhabits the bushveld of the Central Transvaal. Mr. A. Roberts calls this Leggada deserti. Genus Cricetomys. Much like Mus in external characters ; size large ; cheek pouches present, for the storage of food. Cricetomys gambianus, Wateih. Giant Rat. Reuzen Rot or Groot Rot. This animal looks like a large edition of the common Brown Bat. It has. however, dark speckles 011 the dorsal region and has a dark ring round the eye. The ears are oval and nearly naked. Edges of upper lip white ; nose dark. Tail long and sparsely haired ; the distal third being white. Length of head and body from 13 to 15 inches ; tail 15 to 17 inches. This enormous Eat was first described from Gambia in West Africa, and has since been recorded from Central and East Africa, a number of sub-species having been GIANT RAT 97 described. Sclater records a pair in the South Africa Museum obtained by the late Captain H. F. Francis at Inhambane on the Mozambique coast. The Zoo possesses two living examples received from Miss Olive and Master J. Stevens of Stonehenge Estate, FIG. 29.— Giant Rat. Louis Trichardt, Northern Transvaal, which brings the animal well within the Union of South Africa. The sub-species is not yet clear and may even be new to science. In captivity it eats much the same food as other rodents, and sleeps through the best part of the day, becoming active toward sundown. These examples measure, head and body, 15 inches; tail, 16^ inches. 7 98 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS Genus EOSACCOMYS. There are four species of Pouched Rats, the commonest of which is Eosaccomys campestria. They are rat-like animals with cheek pouches and a short tail. They live in cultivated fields, making their burrows with an opening at both ends. There are two other genera, Acomys and Dasymys, both of which are but little known. Genus ARYICANTHUS. Striped Field Mice. Gestreepte Muizen. Ears hairy. First and fifth digits sbort. The Striped Field Mouse (Arvicanthus pumilid) has been divided into a number of sub-species, the Bechuanaland form being larger and of a more sandy tone, while the Rhodesian is darker. The typical species has the body of a greyish brown colour with four longitudinal black stripes running down the back from the shoulders to the root of the tail. The length of the head and body varies from 3| to 5 inches ; tail from 4 to 6 inches. The Striped Mouse is found in reedbeds or bushy patches near watercourses, or in bush country, although my personal experience has been invariably to find them on the banks of streams, vleis, &c., where they make runs, like the Vlei Bats, and live upon vegetable matter of all kinds, even devouring human excreta. This Mouse has bred in the Pretoria Zoo, giving birth to two or three young ones at a time. A second species (A. dorsalis) differs from the foregoing by the presence of only one stripe along the back. SAND MOLE 99 Sub-family CRICETIN^. Genus MYSTROMYS. Fur soft and woolly. Ears large and broad. Tail short. The White-tailed Mouse (Mystromys albipes — albi- caudatus) is brownish grey above and paler below, the tail, feet, nose, and chin being white. Body plump, hence its name of "Fat Mouse" sometimes used by authors. The Zoo possessed a pair from a cave near Krugersdorp, presented by Dr. H. Lyster Jameson, which bred freely and reared a number of litters. Four appeared to be the usual number, and the young hung on to their mother's teats while she stalked about in a most unconcerned manner. Family BATHYEKGIDJ^. Rodents with a short tail and legs, tiny eyes and no ear conch. They are adapted for an underground ex- istence. Two genera inhabit South Africa. Batliyergus with the upper incisor teeth grooved ; claws strong. Georychus with the upper incisors smooth; claws smaller. Bathyergus maritimus (= suillus). Sand Mole. Zand Mol, and Duinmol. Colour greyish, browner on the back. Fur thick and woolly. Head pointed, a bare flesh-coloured area round the nostril, and reaching the upper lip. Ear-conches absent, being mere circular apertures surrounded by bare skin. Legs short, claws strong and well developed for digging. The incisor teeth are white and prominent, the upper being also grooved ; they are visible owing to their length and the shortness of the lips. Tail short and covered on the sides with white bristle-like hairs. Length of head and body from 12 to 16 inches ; tail 1| inches. 100 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS This animal is found in the sand-dunes and flats along the coast where it forms burrows. It ranges from Namaqualand past the Cape Peninsula to Knysna and is not found inland. It feeds upon vegetable matter, especially bulbs and roots. Genus GEORYCHUS. Kesembling the previous genus, but the claws much smaller. Georychus capensis. Star Sand- Mole. Blesmol. Colour brownish or red-brown above, paler on the sides and greyish below. Head darker. On the top of the head and round the face a series of pure white spots. Head short and blunt in shape ; the eyes very small. No external ear. Tail short, thick, and covered with white bristles. Incisors white and smooth. Length of head and body 8 to 9 inches, tail finch. It ranges from the Western Cape Colony to Southern Bechuana- land in the north and Natal in the east. The Blesmol burrows like the common Sandmole, throwing up mounds of earth at intervals. It lives on bulbs and roots, and is very fond of potatoes when these are available. Georychus hottentotus. Mole Bat. Bruin Mol. Colour similar to the preceding, slightly darker above. Size much smaller, length of head and body only 5^ in. No sign of white on the bead. This is the common species of the eastern and northern districts, ranging from the Eastern Cape Colony and Natal through the Orange Free State and Transvaal- There are three other less known species, G. damar- SPRINGHARE, OB CAPE JUMPING HARE 101 ensis, G. darling i, and G. nimrodi, besides a number of recently created new forms of more or less validity. Sand-moles are destructive to the agriculturist, as they are fond of potatoes, sweet potatoes, and roots of various kinds. Family PEDETIML Genus PEDETES. This animal is kangaroo-like in form, with short fore- limbs, and long well-developed hind legs, enabling it to jump long distances. There are powerful claws on the forelegs, which are formed for digging. Dentition : incisors 1-1, canines 0-0, premolars 1-1, molars 2-3 = 20. Pedetes caffer. Springhare, or Cape, Jumping Hare. Springhaas. Colour yellowish or sandy brown above, paler along the sides, and whitish below. The ears are long and pointed. The tail is strongly tipped with black. Hind feet with only four toes armed with straight, nail-like claws. Length of head and body about 2 feet. Tail about 1 feet 9 inches. This peculiar animal is found throughout the higher and dryer regions of South Africa, where it lives in colonies, forming deep burrows in the earth. It feeds, after sunset, upon roots, bulbs, and green vege- tation. Its flesh is white and palatable, although many people will not eat it in South Africa, owing to prejudice. A favourite method of hunting the animal is with a bull's-eye or acetelyene lantern at night, the animal being blinded or fascinated by the light, at which it sits and stares — or may be it does so from curiosity ; the eyes gleam like coals of fire and offer an easy mark to the sportsman. It progresses by leaps and bounds, after the 102 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS manner of a kangaroo, but it can also crawl along in a more leisurely manner. When captured young it becomes very tame and makes an interesting pet. The natives catch them by means of a horsehair or wire noose set in the mouth of the burrow. It is a des- tructive animal in cultivated lands, devouring the growing crops. Captive specimens have shown a partiality to oats. It chews with rapidity. Family OCTODONTID^. (Ctenodactylidae.) All four limbs provided with five claws. Clavicles imperfect. Petromys typicus. Bock Bat. Noki Bot. Colour grey brown or slaty, the hinder part of the back and point of the muzzle bright chestnut. Below dirty white. Whiskers long and black. Tail slightly shorter than head and body and covered by long black hairs. Length of head and bodv 5f inches. Tail 5J inches. Dentition : Incisors 1-1, canines 0-0, premolars 1-1, molars 3-3 = 20. This animal has so far only been found in the rocky mountains of Namaqualand. Thryonomys swinderianus. Cane Bat. Biet Bot. This is a stout, rat-like animal with a short tail and bristly fur of a speckled yellow and brown colour above ; paler below. It is the largest rodent in South Africa (excluding the Porcupine), being from 12 to 20 inches in length, with a tail of 6 to 7 inches. It ranges from the Eastern Cape Colony through Natal and the Eastern Transvaal, northwards to the Congo and East Africa. It CANE RAT 103 inhabits the cane thickets or reed beds, forming lairs iri the long grass or rushes, and feeding upon various roots, bulbs and other vegetable matter. It swims well and will take to the water when pursued. It lives fairly well in captivity, and will breed if given suitable accommoda- FIG. 30.— Cane Rats. tion. It is fond of sugar-cane and is said to do con- siderable damage to the plantations in Natal and Zululand. The natives are fond of the flesh and hunt the animal with dogs ; they also snare them in wooden traps. When down at Hectorspruit in the Eastern Transvaal last June, our dogs killed one half way up a rocky hillside, a peculiar locality for a Cane Tiat. Family HYSTBICID^E. Genus HYSTRIX. Body covered with quills. Tail short. Dentition similar to the preceding genus, the number of teeth being the same, but the molars are semi-rooted. 104 SOUTH AFIIICAN MAMMALS Hystrix africae-australis. South African Porcupine. Ijzer-vark. Colour dark brownish-black, the fore and under parts of the body being covered with long bristly hair; on the rest of the upper portion the bristles become modified into the true quills, which are stiff, sharp, and banded with dark brown and white. Length of head and body 2 feet, tail about 5 inches. FIG. 31. — Albino Porcupine. The Porcupine is found all over Southern Africa. It is nocturnal in habits, coming out at night to feed, although this is not the case with animals in captivity, who come out at all hours and will feed before sunset. They are reported as good eating by those who have tried it, but as they are very often infested with fleas and ticks, I have never brought myself to attempt the delicacy. SOUTH AFRICAN PORCUPINE 105 A pair in the Pretoria Zoo have regularly given birth to two litters a year, the number being two at a birth, with the exception of two occasions — once when three were born and again only one young one. The third young one of the litter was not reared however. The male is a good father, and if 'any interference with his family is attempted FIG. 32. — Porcupines and Young. he will fly out of his house and approach sideways, rattling his quills in a threatening manner, the sound somewhat resembling a motor car being started up. The young when born are about the size of a three-quarter grown hedgehog, the quills being about three-quarters of an inch long and quite soft. 106 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS Family LEPOEID.E. Genus LEPUS. Ears and hind legs, long. Fore legs medium. Tail short and bushy. Five toes to the fore and four to the hind legs. Dentition : incisors at birth 3-1, afterwards 2-1 ; canines 0-0; premolars 3-2 ; molars 3-3 = 28. The Thick-tailed Hares have been separated into a new genus, Pronolagus, by Thomas and Schwann (Trouessart in his " Catalogus Mammalium " includes them under the genus " Oryctolagus "), chiefly upon anatomical characters, which need not further concern the readers of this book, except that the ears are shorter and the body more compact and rabbit-like. Pronolagus crassicaudatus. Cape Rabbit. Kaapse Koniju or Hooi-liaas. Fur thicker and softer than in the succeeding species, speckly yellowish brown and black, giving a brownish hue to the upper parts, and reddish white below. Chin white ; a black stripe on the cheek on either side of the face. Ears of moderate size and rounded at the edges. At the back of the head and neck a reddish patch. The legs are red-brown and the tail, which is short and bushy, is of the same colour, with no trace of black or white, so character- istic of the other species of South African Hares. Length of head and body 20 inches, tail 3i inches This Rabbit is only found in rocky hills or kranzes, and is fairly well distributed over the sub-continent. It lives in pairs or colonies amongst the rocks. I found it fairly common in the hills around " Orange Grove " to the north of Johannesburg. The young — one or two — are brought forth in a well-developed state, well covered with fur, differing in this respect from tame Eabbits. I CAPE HAKE 107 have captured several on the rocky hillside to the north of the Zoo, and one female so caught gave birth in captivity to one young one, but did not survive the birth of her youngster. A second species, C. ruddi, was described by Thomas and Schwann in 1905 from Sibu- deni in Zululand, which has a redder tail and browner nape spot. Lepus capensis. Cape Hare. Vlalc Haas. General colour yellowish grey brown, mottled with darker owing to the woolly hair being slate colour at the base and tips yellowish or dun-brown with a subterminal black band ; the sides are ruddier and the underside whitish. The back of the neck and head is grey. Ears about 4i inches long ; tail 4 inches in length and black above, white below. Length of head and body from '20 to 24 inches. This Hare ranges all over Cape Colony, Natal and the Orange Free State, and is found on the plains or amongst scattered scrub or bush. It feeds at early morn and towards sunset. It makes a " form " or lair in a tuft of grass or under a small bush or weed, although when pursued it will take to an Aardvark or Mierkat hole. Its speed is not as poor as the natural histories want to make out, as the writer has often had excellent sport with grey- hounds on the Free State flats. We have shot females with a well-developed fostus towards the end of July and beginning of August, so that late winter or early spring seems to be the breeding season, and two the usual number at a birth. A highveld species, Lepus ochropus, is distinguished from the above by its yellow throat and nape. A new species, Lepus monticularis, was described from Deelfontein in the Cape Colony. 08 . SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS Lepus saxatilis. Bush Hare. Kol Haas. This animal is called the Rock Hare by Sclater, and although it is found in stony kopjes in some localities — like its relative the Vlak Haas — it is essentially a bush- loving and bush-frequenting species. It is larger than the Cape Hare and differs further from this species by the fact that there is a rufous patch behind the neck on the nape, by its relatively longer ears (length ;H inches) and legs, and by a white spot on the forehead, which is, however, not always present or conspicuous. Length of head and body from 24 to 27 inches. Tail 4 inches. It is found amongst the hills or bush from the Central Cape Province northwards. It is quite common amongst the eucalyptus plantations on the Rand, and I have found it plentiful amongst the mimosa scrub in the valleys and at the foot of the Free State hills, and in the Pretoria bush- veld, where it is more common in the scattered thorn bush with fair undergrowth than in the more heavily timbered tracts. It is a good runner and makes excellent eating. It resembles the Vlak Haas in the fact that the number of young at a birth appears to be two. Like the preceding species it makes a lair in a tuft of grass or in a small thick bush, where it lies very close until disturbed. I have seen a pointer " stand " on a Kol Haas in its " form " for fully five minutes, when the hare had to be kicked out of its hiding place, from almost under the dog's nose. A new form with smaller ears was described by Thomas and Schwann under the name of zuluensis. Order HYEACOIDEA. This small order comprises the Eock Rabbits or Coneys — small rodent-like animals with hoof-like nails to the feet (excepting the second digit of the fore feet, which is furnished with a curved claw). These little animals have been classified with the rodents and also with the ungulata (or hoofed animals). They are certainly not rodents according to their dentition, and have not much in common with the ungulata, so we prefer to follow Huxley in his separation of them into a different order. The number of teeth are : incisors 1-2, canines 1-0, premolars 4-4, molars 3-3 — the milk teeth differing in that there are 3 incisors above and 2 below. There are no clavicles. Certain other important internal anatomical characters need not concern us in a work of this nature. The ears are small, the fur is thick and the snout is " split." Tail reduced. There is only one living family, Procavida, with one genus, Procavia ( Hyrax of Hermann), containing three South African species. ProcaYia capensis. Eock Rabbit. Lassie, or Klip Das. Colour a warm, speckly grey-brown, darker in the centre of the back, with pale yellowish eyebrows. The soles of the feet are naked and black in colour. Length of head and body 18 inches. This little animal inhabits the rocky krantzes or cliffs and hills, where it lives in colonies amongst the cracks or crevices, basking in the sun during the heat of the day and feeding upon vegetable matter, such as leaves, roots, 110 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS bulbs, £c., in the evenings and early mornings. Its flesh is edible, but according to some is not very palatable. When captured young and tamed it becomes an interest- ing pet, but is of an aggressive nature where other animals are concerned. A pair in the Zoo attacked a Eoe Deer Stag and bit it so badly in the hip and forequarters that it eventually died, the tendons being severely injured. FIG. 33.- Bock Rabbits, or Dassies. The bite of a Eock Eabbit is severe, as the little creature has strong teeth and powerful jaws, with which it can hold on with a grip like a vice. From one to two young ones are born at a time, the latter being the usual number. These are active from shortly after birth. Procavia brucei. Bruce's Bock Eabbit. Grijse Dassie. General colour a grizzly grey — the hairs being slate colour at the base and ringed with yellow, black and white — under surface, including the insides of the legs, TREE BOCK RABBIT 111 pure white. The spot in the middle of the back is yellow ; this alone distinguishing it from the two other species. It is found from Central Rhodesia through Nyasaland and Mozambique to Abyssinia. • Procavia arborea. Tree, Bock Rabbit. Boom Dassie. Coloration resembling that of the previous species, but more grizzled, owing to the brown fur being tipped with light grey ; the spot in the centre of the back is pure white instead of black or yellowish, and the ears are margined with white hairs. Length of head and body 16 to 18 inches. It ranges from Eastern Cape Colony through Natal to the Northern Transvaal, and possibly Southern Rhodesia. It inhabits hollow trees, running along the branches with ease and speed, but is also found amongst the rocks. The Zoo has had examples from the Woodbush in the Northern Transvaal. Order PROBOSCIDEA. This order contains besides the Mammoth, the Mas- todon, the Dinotherium and other extinct forms, the two existing species of Elephant — the Indian and the FIG. 34. — Head of African Elephant. African. The latter, has, however, in recent times been subdivided into a number of local races or sub-species, whereof the Cape animal is a separate variety. The AFRICAN ELEPHANT 113 leading characteristics are that they are large pachy- derms with a long " trunk " or proboscis, which is prehensile and serves the animal in lieu of an arm and hand ; incisor teeth in the form of tusks situated in the mandible or premaxillae, and large grinding teeth or molars, with transverse ridges. Canine teeth are absent. The legs are not bent at the knee and elbow, which is the reason for the peculiar walk of the Elephant. The FIG. 35.— Young African Elephant (about 9 years old). nails (five in number) are short and hoof- like and the body is very sparsely haired. There are no clavicles and the brain :s fairly primitive and deeply set. The stomach is simple. The mammae are thoracic and two in number. Elephas africanus. African Elephant. Afrikaanse Olifant. The African Elephant differs principally from its Indian brother in the enormous size of the ears, the shape of the forehead, which is convex (in opposition to *»• J* FIG. 36.— The Fallen Monarch (Bull Elephant). '^'jk. FIG. 37.— Head and skeleton of African Elephant. AFEICAN ELEPHANT 115 that of the Indian Elephant, which is concave), and the longer legs. General colour dark grey-brown or slate- brown. The hairs of the tail are black, thick and wiry, and from these bracelets are made by the natives of Central and East Africa. Height at the shoulder from 9 to 12 feet. Length of tusks from 1 to 7 feet, the HI FIG. 38.— Herd of Elephants feeding in the marshes of Maputoland males' being usually from 2 to 5 feet, while females' seldom reach a length of more than 3 or 4 feet. Selous gives the average weight of those of South African males at 50 lb., and of the females at 10 to 14 Ib. The record pair known came from Kilimanjaro and weighed 225 and 235 Ibs. respectively, and were 10 feet 4 inches in length. A pair in the Transvaal Museum, FIG. 39. — Winding the photographer. (Note all their trunks in the air.) FIG. 40.— The flight back to the shelter of the forest. AFRICAN ELEPHANT 117 presented by Sir A. Bailey, measures 7 feet 9 inches on the outer curve. Two pairs in the South African Museum measure 7 feet 3 inches and 7 feet 1 inch respectively. Habits. — Elephants are fond of dark and thick forests or open scattered bush in the neighbourhood of streams. The males go about singly or in small herds during the dry season. They travel preferably by night and stand sleeping under a tree during the daytime. They drink FIG. 41. — Roped up ! and bathe at sundown and feed during the night or in the early morning. They are herbivorous animals and by reason of their enormous strength can in a single night do a large amount of damage to fences and crops, although their usual food consists of leaves, bark, roots, twigs, fruit and grass. In South Africa Elephants are to-day only found in the Knysna Forest and the Addo Bush of Cape Colony : 118 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS the Sabie Game Reserves in the Transvaal, and portions of Portuguese South-East Africa, especially Gazaland and Maputoland, where herds of varying size still exist, but which the farmers in the neighbourhood seem determined to exterminate. They were fairly common in parts of Rhodesia, such as Gatooma and Gwaai, &c., until 1915, when they were considerably shot out. The \ FIG. 42.— Ready for his New Home. farmers of the Addo area are now doing their best to obtain the extermination of the Addo herd. I think some plan might be devised whereby such a calamity can be avoided. Surely half a dozen individuals would do no harm and would serve to perpetuate the herd. It is a mystery to me why the African Elephant has not long ere this been domesticated in this country. It can be tamed, as was proved in the case of the famous " Jumbo " of the London Zoo, and it must have been the African species which was used by the Carthaginians. AFRICAN ELEPHANT 119 We received a wild-caught half-grown female by pur- chase, in 1913, from Southern Ehodesia and six months after her arrival she could be ridden anywhere in the grounds. Her intelligence is well developed and her PIG. •43.— Driven to Captivity. FIG. 44. — Driven to Captivity. perceptions keen. A couple of months after her arrival she picked up the art of begging from the public and soon became an adept at it, pushing her companion — a full-grown Indian Elephant — out of the way in her eagerness and anxiety to appropriate the " tit-bits." 120 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS We taught her to lie down for the saddle to be put on in four lessons, in the first one of which she had to be pulled down by force with her one fore and one hind foot fastened up. She is now ready to do her share of the work. A young one, caught in Maputoland in 1917, was trained to harness and works daily drawing a plough. Her photograph is appended. This is an experiment FIG. 45.— The Last Lap : into the Box. conducted by the Portuguese Government at the instance of Mr. Viana Bodrigues, Magistrate of Maputoland at Bela Vista, whose praiseworthy efforts are much to be commended. The Belgian Government has established a training station at Api in the Belgian Congo, where I understand a number of Elephants are in training after the Indian plan. Why cannot we follow their example ? Elephants rarely breed in captivity — even the domesti- cated Indian animals — and in the wild state only one young one is born. The period of gestation is from twenty to twenty-three months. Their sight is not AFRICAN ELEPHANT 121 good, but their scent excellent. Elephants are hunted solely for the ivory of the tusks, although the meat is much prized by the natives as food. They are not easy to shoot, notwithstanding their large size, as vital shots are not always possible. The late Capt. Selous was a well-known Elephant hunter, and described in his FIG. 46.— The Last Bid for Freedom. delightful works on big game shooting in South Africa many adventures with these huge pachyderms. I append a photograph of a medium-sized male shot near Bela Vista, Maputoland, also an enlargement of one of the tiny film-pictures taken in August, 1918, by our party, which had for its main object the filming of wild Elephants in their natural state. This was undertaken by the African Film Productions, Ltd., of Johannesburg — whose guest I was for the trip — and which was, thanks mainly to the Portuguese authorities, an unqualified success. FIG. 47. — The training of a South African Elephant. Pulling a lorrie. FIG. 48. -The training of a South African Elephant. Ploughing. [ § s s. ffi s z g O - r* § £; F -• §.' p Order UNGULATA. This is a large order containing the true " hoofed " animals, and excluding under the more modern and generally accepted classification the Elephants and Rock Eabbits. The digits of the forefeet never exceed four in number, and the carpal and tarsal bones inter- lock. There are no clavicles. There are three sub-orders, the Perissodactyla, con- taining the Tapirs, equine animals and Ehinoceri ; the Artiodactyla, containing the Pigs, Hippopotamidae, ruminant animals; and the Lipoterna, embracing certain extinct forms which need not concern us further. Sub-Order PERiSSODACTYLA. This group contains the Bhinoceri, equine animals and Tapirs (which last are not found in Africa). Middle toe larger than the others ; this may be the only functional digit, as in the case of the equines. Toes of the hind foot never more than three in number. Dorso-lumbar vertebrae 23 or more in the living forms. Premolar and molar teeth in a continuous series with massive crowns. Dentition frequently complete, viz., incisors 3-3, canines 1-1, premolars 4-4, molars 3-3 = 44. Stomach simple ; gall-bladder not present. Family RHINOCEROTID^. Genus DICEROS. Large aud clumsy animals with thick skins almost devoid of hairs, these being found only on the tail and ears. Eyes extremely small for the size of the animal. SQUAEE-MOUTHED RHINOCEROS 125 There are two horns growing from the upper surface of the face ; these horns are not attached to the skull, nor are they of bony growth. The feet have three toes, each provided with a broad hoof. The number of teeth varies considerably, ranging from 28 to 38. Trouessart separates the two African species into a genus of their own, Diceros, retaining Rhinoceros for the Asiatic animals. Diceros simus. Square-mouthed Rhinoceros. Witte Rhenoster. This animal — commonly known as the White Rhino — is now very scarce, being at present only found in Zululand (where it is even uncommon and where a special reserve exists for its preservation), parts of Rhodesia and Central Africa. Formerly it was common in Bechuanaland and Mashonaland. This is by far the largest of the two Rhinos found in South Africa, and is indeed the second largest terrestrial mammal alive to-day ; it is further- distinguished by its slightly paler (slaty) coloration and square upper lip. The tail is provided with a tuft of stiff bristly hair. There are two horns on the face which vary much in size and shape. The total length of the head and body is about 13 feet ; tail 2 feet. Height at shoulder 5 feet 6 inches to 6 feet 6 inches. Length of front horn 85 to 50 inches. Record 62i inches ; rear horn 17'8 inches. The White Rhino is found in open grass veld and is of somewhat solitary habit. It feeds at night or during the early mornings, and evenings after sunset, and sleeps during the hot part of the day. Its pace is fair for the bulk of the animal, but no match for a horse. The food of this species consists entirely of grass. Its sight is bad but its hearing and scent are correspondingly good. Only one young one is born at a time. 126 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS Diceros bicornis. Black or Prehensile-lipped Rhinoceros Zwarte Bhenoster. The common Rhinoceros at one time roamed the country from Cape Town to the Zambesi. At present it is not found south of the Zambesi except for a few in the Eastern Transvaal, Zululand and the Portuguese territory. Northwards it extends to Somaliland, being still common in East Africa. FIG. 50.— Head of Black Ehino. It is smaller than the White Rhino and has the upper lip attenuated in the middle, forming a flexible or pre- hensile organ, wherewith to facilitate the grasping of the reeds, leaves, plants, &c., which form its food. The BLACK OR PREHENSILE-LIPPED RHINOCEROS 127 terminal two-thirds of the tail is provided with bristles. It also has two horns, which are variable in length and shape, but never apparently attaining anything like the length of those of a White Rhino. Length 10 feet. Height at shoulder about 5 feet. Length of fore horn 18 to 20 inches on the average, the record being 414 inches ; rear horn 7 to 8 inches, record 19 inches. FIG. 51. — Wounded Rhino— " German" East Africa. Unlike the White Ehino, the Black Rhino is usually found in bushy country, and is also of a solitary dis- position. In habits it resembles the former, excepting in its diet, which consists almost exclusively of leaves, twigs, roots, &c., but seldom of grass. A great deal has been written on the pugnacious nature of the Black Rhino, most hunters saying it will charge without provo- cation. Its small eyes are bound to give the creature bad eyesight, but its hearing is well developed, and I expect they vary individually as much as any other animal. Mr. Dugmore, in his beautiful book on "Camera FIG. 52. — Young Black Rhino, six years old (male). (Note the prehensile lip.) FIG. 53.— Baby Rhinoceros from N. Rhodesia. BURCHELL'S ZEBRA 129 Adventures in East Africa," states that in one district of East Africa the Rhinos were quiet and docile or timid animals, in another quite the reverse, charging for no apparent reason. The National Collection possesses two of these animals, a bull from German East Africa and a cow from South Central Rhodesia. The former is becoming very troublesome now, although quiet enough for the first eight years of his life in captivity ; the latter is quiet and tractable, and will follow one about like a dog. Family EQUID^E. Head lengthened, neck adorned with a mane ; tail with long hairs; naked patches (chestnuts) on theinsides of the forelegs ; mammae two in number. Feet encased in a horny box or hoof. Dentition : Incisors 3-3, canines 1-1, premolars 4-4, molars 3-3 = 44. The first premolar is small and drops out early in life, not being replaced, so that the mature dentition totals 40. The true Quagga was striped as far as the shoulders only and has long been totally extinct. Hippotigris burchelli, Gray. BurchelVs Zebra. Bonte Quagga. The main characteristics of the Burchell's Zebra (which has been split up into a number of varieties* species or geographical races — call them what you will) are : — (1) A more equine appearance than that of the Cape Mountain Zebra ; shorter ears, and no dewlap. (2) The presence of the so-called shadow stripes — a paler stripe in the white field dividing the black stripes. (3) No gridiron pattern on the back, and the hair on 9 BURCHELL S ZEBEA 131 the haunches and withers not reversed as in the Mountain Zebra. The sub-species mentioned in Sclater's " Mammals of South Africa," are : — Hippotigris burchelli typicus : Barrel stripes not meet- ing the ventral line under the belly ; legs unstriped. FIG. 55. — Burchell's Zebras : Chapman's and Transvaal varieties and one Crawshay's Zebra. Hippotigris burckelli antiquorum : Same as above, but legs lightly striped to hocks and knees. Hippotigris burchelli transvaalensis : Barrel stripes meeting the ventral (belly) stripe ; shadow stripes ex- tending to neck ; lower portion of legs only slightly marked. Hippotigris burchelli ivahlbergi : Barrel stripes as BURCHELL S ZEBRA 133 above ; shadow stripes distinct only on the quarters ; fetlocks and pasterns plain. Hippotigris burclielU chapmanni : Barrel stripes as above ; shadow stripes on quarters faint and narrow ; stripes on lower part of legs indistinct ; pastern not altogether black. FIG. 57.— Burchell's Zebras from Zululand. Hippotigris burchelli selousi : Barrel stripes as above ; shadow stripes as in chapmanni ; legs strongly striped to the hoofs ; fetlocks and pasterns quite black. The writer has had the opportunity of studying some hundreds of Zebras during the ten years he has been connected with the Pretoria Zoological Gardens, and can safely say that in his opinion the above series of sub- species is quite wrong. We have, for instance, at present in the collection two Zebras from Bechuanaland (Lake 134 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS Ngami area), one of which, the stallion, is antiquorum in all its details, while the mare is almost a typical burchelli; she is intermediate between burchelli and antiquorum, inasmuch that the hocks, knees and fetlocks are slightly striped, but the lower half of the hips, the lower belly and FIG. 58.— Burchell's Zebras from Zululand. most of the legs are unstriped. (See photo : this has, however, been unfortunately retouched by the block makers, and a number of stripes put in which do not exist on the living animal.) Two examples from Zululand are neither wahlbergi nor chapmanni, partaking of the characters of both, and in these only the first two barrel stripes join the median CHAPMAN S ZEBRA 135 longitudinal line of the belly. We had lots of six, eight and ten individuals, caught out of the same herd in the Northern Transvaal, which contained typical selousi (see FIG. 59.— Heavily-marked Chapman's Zebra (Northern Transvaal). illustration), chapmanni and all the intermediate stages between the two extremes. What then is the sense or use of employing these sub-specific names as geographical races when they do not exist as such, and when examples 136 SOUTH AFKICAN MAMMALS of almost every so-called race can be picked out of one herd in the Northern Transvaal ? So far as I can see from our records, the heavily marked form (selousi) is never found in Bechuanaland on the one side nor Zulu- land on the other ; and, if it could be proved that the joining of the barrel stripe with the median belly line was constant in both the dark and light forms (i.e., lightly and heavily marked), as seems to be the case, then this might - J FIG. 60.— Zebroid. be used as the determining factor, and two species, or sub-species, recognized, named burchelli and chapmanni. The Zebras from the Eustenburg district of the Trans- vaal are of the lightly-marked variety, so far as our records go, and are therefore in this particular nearer the Bechuanaland form. Only large series from the various localities can settle this question definitely, but for me there is only one, or at most two, varieties of Burchell's Zebra. The height of Burchell's Zebra at the shoulder is 4 feet, and the total length of the head and body 8 feet NORTHERN MOUNTAIN ZEBRA 137 si II dOS-ANCElfj> ^ i I I & I ^\\E-UNIVER%. I = ~r < 1 I 1 1 i § . ^IOS ANGElfj^ l If ^AajMNIHftV^