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FOR THE PEOPLE

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FOR SCIENCE

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THE AMERICAN MUSEUM

NATURAL HISTORY

THE NATURAL HISTORY
OF SOUTH AFRICA

The Natural History of South Africa

By F. W. FiTZSiMONS, F.Z.S., F.R.M.S., etc.
Director, Port Elizabeth Museum. With Illus-
trations from Photographs. Four Volumes.
Crown 8vo.

Vol. I. Mammals.
Including the Vervet Monkeys, Baboons, Galagfos,
Fruit Bats, Insectivorous Bats, Lions, Leopards,
Serval Cats, Black-Footed Cats, African Wild Cats,
Caracals, and Hunting Leopards.

Vol. II. Mammals.
Including Civets, Genets, Mungooses, Meerkats,
Earth Wolves, Hyaenas, Jackals, Foxes, Wild Dogs,
Otters, Honey Ratels, Muishonds, and Sea Lions.

Vol. III. Mammals.
Including the Hartebeests, Wildebeests, Duikers,
Steenboks, Waterbucks, Reedbucks, Inipala, Spring-
buck, Gemsbok, Bushbucks, Kudu, Eland, Cape
Buffalo, Giraffe, Hippopotamus, Bosch V^ark, Quagga,
Zebras, Rhinoceros, Klip Dassie, and African
Elephant.

Vol. IV. Mammals.
Including the Jumping Shrews, Hedgehog, Shrew,
Squirrels, Dormice, Gerbilles, Otomys, Rats and
Mice, Blesmol, Springhare, Porcupine, Hares and
Rabbits, Whale, Porpoise, Dolphin, Elephant Seal,
Ant- Eater, and Aard Vark.

LONGMANS, GREEN & CO.

LONDON, NEW YORK, BOMBAY, CALCUTTA AND MADRAS

A sub-species of Burchell's Zel)ra from " Tafelbeig ' in the .Middelburg
Division of the Cape Province. Its legs are banded to the hoofs.

Foals of a sub-species of Kurciieirs Zebra from the Middelburg Division
of the Cape Province.

[See p.nne 1901

THE NATURAL HISTORY
OF SOUTH AFRICA

INCLUDING THE HARTEBEESTS, WILDEBEESTS, DUIKERS, STEEN-

BOKS, WATERBUCKS, REEDBUCKS, IMPALA, SPRINGBUCK,

GEMSBOK, BUSHBUCKS, KUDU, ELAND, CAPE BUFFALO,

GIRAFFE, HIPPOPOTAMUS, BOSCH VARK, QUAGGA,

ZEBRAS, RHINOCEROS, KLIP DASSIE, AND

AFRICAN ELEPHANT

F. W. FITZSIMONS, F.Z.S., F.R.M.S., &c.

DIRECTOR, PORT ELIZABETH MUSEUM

MAMMALS

IN FOUR VOLUMES
VOL. Ill

IV/TJI ILLUSTRATIONS

LONGMANS, GREEN AND CO.

39 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, E.C. 4

pOURTH AVENUE AND 30TH STREET, NEW YORK
J30MBAY, CALCUTTA, AND MADRAS

1920

411 Rights Reserve^

SYSTEMATIC INDEX

OF THE ANIMALS IN VOLUME III i

Order: UNGULATA
Sub-order : Artiodactyla

Ungulate quadrupeds with at least two equal hoofed toes to
each foot, viz. the cloven-footed mammals.

Division: PECORA
Family : Bovid.^
Sub-family : Bubalinae

PAGE

1. Bub alls caama, Cuv. Cape or Red Hartebeest . . 2

2. Buhalis lichtensteini. Pet. Lichtenstein's Hartebeest. . 7

3. Damaliscus fygargus. Pall. Bontebok . . . . g

4. Damaliscus albifrons, Burch. Blesbok .... 14

5. Damaliscus lunatus, Burch. Sassaby or Bastard Harte-

beest ......... 17

6. Connochcetes g««, Zimm. Black Wildebeest or White-

tailed Gnu . . . . . . . .19

7. Connochcetes taurinus, Burch. Blue Wildebeest or

Brindled Gnu ....... 24

Sub-family : Cephalophinae

1. Cephalophus grimmi, Linn. Cape Duiker ... 29

2. Cephalophus natalensis, A. Smith. Red Duiker . . 35

3. Cephalophus natalensis amcenus, Wroughton. Ann. and

Mag. Nat. Hist. (8), vol. viii, p. 277, 191 1 . . 37

4. Cephalophus natalensis robertsiy Rothschild. Proc. Zool.

Soc, 1906, p. 691 ....... 37

^ I am indebted to Dr. Oldfield Thomas, F.R.S., of the British Museum
(Natural History), for his kindness in revising the Systematic Index,

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

PAGE

5. Cephalophus monticola, Thunb. Blue Duiker or Ipiti . 38

6. Cephalophus hecki, Matschie. Mozambique Blue Duiker.

S.-B. Ges. nat. Fr., 1897, pp. 157-158 ... 43

Sub-family : Neotraginae

1. Oreotragus oreotTagus,Z,\mm. Klipspringer . . . 44

2. Ourebia ourebi, Zimm. Cape Oribi .... 49

3. Raphicerus campestris, Thunb. Steenbok . . -Si

4. Raphicerus campestris neumanni, Matschie (sub-species) . 55

5. Raphicerus campestris natalensis, Roths, (sub-species) . 55

6. Raphicerus sharpei colonicus, Thos. and Schw. S.-B. Ges.

nat. Fr. 1894, p. 122 (sub-species) P.Z.S., 1906, p. 583 56

7. Nototragtis melanotis, Thunb. Grysbok {Raphicerus mela-

notis of Sclater) ... .... 57

8. Nesotragus livings toni anus, Kirk. Livingstone's Suni . 59

9. Nesotragus zuhiensis, Thos. Zululand Suni. .^nn. Mag.

Nat. Hist. (7), II. (1898) 63

10. Madaqua damarensis, Giinth. Damaraland Dik-Dik . 64

Sub-family : Cervicaprinae

1. Kohus elltpsiprymnus, Ogilby. Waterbuck ... 66

2. Kobus leche. Gray. Lechwe Kob . . . . yo

3. Kobus vardoni, Livingstone. Puku .... 73

4. Redunca arundinum, Bodd. Reedbuck ... 76

5. Redunca fuhoru/ula, Ahc\. Mountain Reedbuck or Rooi

Rhebok 79

6. Pelea capreolus, Bechst. Grey or Vaal Rhebok . . 82

Sub-family : Antilopinae

1. ^pyceros tnelampus, Licht. Impala or Palla . . 86

2. Mpyceros melampus peter si, Boc. Impala or Palla (sub-

species) ........ 90

^, Antidorcas marsufialis, Zimm. Springbuck , . 91

SYSTEMATIC INDEX

PAGE

Sub-family : Hippotraginae

1. Hippotragus leucophcvus. Pall. Bluebuck or Blaauw Bok

(Extinct) 97

2. Hippotragus equinus, Desm. Roan or Bastard Gemsbok . 105

3. Hippotragus niger, Harris. Sable or Zwart-wit-pens . 108

4. Oryx gazella, Linn. Gemsbok . . . . .111

Sub-family : Tragelaphinae.

1. Tragelaphus scriptus scriptus. Pall. Bushbuck . .114

2. Tragelaphus scriptus sylvaticus, Sparr. Bushbuck (sub-

species) . . . . . . . .120

3. Tragelaphus scriptus roualeyni,GoTdon-Cuminmg. Bush-

buck (sub-species) . . , . . . .121

4. Tragelaphus angasi, Angas. Inyala . . . .122

5. Tragelaphus spekei selousi, Roths. Situtunga or Water

Kudu 125

6. Strepsiceros strepsiceros, Pall. Kudu {Strepsiceros capensis

of Sclater) 128

7. Taurotragus oryx typicus, Pall. Eland . . . . 1 34

8. Taurotragus oryx livingstonii, Scl. Livingstone's Eland . 135

Sub-family : Bovinae
I. Bos cajfer, Sparr. Cape Buffalo ..... 141

Family : GiRAFFiDiE

1. Giraffa camelopardalis capensis. South African Giraffe . 150

2. Giraffa capensis wardi, Lydekker. Transvaal Giraffe.

P.Z.S., 1904, L p. 221 . . . . . • 151

Division: SUINA
Family : HippopotamidjE.
I. Hippopotamus amphibius, Linn. Hippopotamus . .156

Family : ^vivuE

J. Potamochcerus chaeropotavius choeropotamus, Maj. Bush

Pig or Bosch Vari^ ,...,, 16^

vii

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

PAGE

2. Potamochcerus choeropotamus nyasee, Maj. Nyassa Pig or

Bosch Vark. P.Z.S., 1897, p. 367 . . . .167

3. Phacochoerus tethtopicus, Pall. Wart Hog or Vlackte

Vark 172

Sub-order : Perissodactyla

A sub-order of ungulate animals with the digits unpaired and
the third largest, the intermaxillary bones tectiform, and caecum
enlarged.

Family : Equid^

1. Equus quagga, Gmel. The Quagga (Extinct)

2. Equus zebra, Linn. Mountain Zebra .

3. Equus burchelli burchelli. Gray. Burchell's Zebra

4. Equus burchelli antiquorum, H, Smith, Burchell's

(sub-species) .....

5. Equus burchelli transvaalensis, Ewart. Burchell's

(sub-species) .....

6. Equus burchelli wahlbergi, Pocock. Burchell's

(sub-species) .....

7. Equus burchelli chapmani, Layard. Burchell's

(sub-species) .....

8. Equus burchelli selousi, Pocock. Burchell's

(sub-species) .....

9. Equus burchelli crawshayi, de Wint. Burchell's

(sub-species)

•

178
181

1.
Zebra

189

Zebra

19s

Zebra

195

Zebra

195

Zebra

195

Zebra

195

19s

Family : Rhinocerotid^

1. Rhinoceros simus, Burch. White or Square-lipped Rhin-

oceros .........

2. Rhinoceros bicornis, Linn. Black Rhinoceros

207
213

Sub-order : Hyracoidea

A sub-order of ungulate animals with rodent upper incisors,
numerous dorsplurubar vertebrae and zonary placenta.

viii

SYSTEMATIC INDEX

PAGE

Family : Procaviid^

1. Procavia capensis, Pall, Klip Dassie or Rock Rabbit . 220

2. Procavia arborea. Smith. Tree Dassie . . .234

3. Procavia brucei granti, Wroughton. Ann. Mag. Nat.

Hist. [8], V. p. 109, 1910. Bruces' Tree Dassie . 235

Sub-order : Proboscidea

A sub-order of ungulate educabilian animals with a zonary
deciduate placenta, columnar legs and a proboscidiferous snout.

1. Elephas africanus capensis, Cuv. African Elephant (sub-

species) ........ 242

2. Elephas africanus selousi, Lydekker. African Elephant

(sub-species). P.Z.S., 1907, p. 395 .... 258

Record Horn and Tusk Measurements
1919

On front curve

Red Hartebeest

Lichtenstein's Hartebeest

Bontebok

Blesbok .

Sassaby .

Blue Wildebeest

Black Wildebeest

Cape Duiker .

Red Duiker

Blue Duiker

Roberts' Duiker

Klipspringer .

Oribi .

Steenbok

Grysbok .

Livingstone's Suni

Damara Dik-Dik

Waterbuck .

l,echwe . ,

Inches
26
22|-

iSf
i7i

26^

5il

4l
4i
4

36ir
34¥

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

Puku

20f

Reedbuck

Vaal Rhe Bok .

• • •

. Hi

Rooi Rhe Bok .

Impala .
Extinct Blue Bok

•

3if
. 2ii

Springbok. (A malf
Springbok. (Perfect
Sable Antelope
Roan Antelope
Gcmsbok

ormed specimen)
specimen) .

i6|

Bushbuck

21J

Inyala

3ii

Sitatunga
Kudu .
Eland
Buffalo .

•

35
64

52J

Hippopotamus (lowei
Bush Pig (upper tusk
Bush Pig (lower tusk
Wart Hog (upper tus
White Rhinoceros (fr
Black Rhinoceros (frc
Elephant Tusks

• curved tusk)
s) . .

0 . .

ks outside spread)
ont horn) .
)nt horn) .

64i

6i
34

53i
i37i

ILLUSTRATIONS

Burchell's Zebra — Foals of Burchell's Zebra Frontispiece

LiCHTENSTEIN HaRTEBEEST AND CaLF

A Bontebok Ram
A Blesbok and Fawn .
A Sassaby Cow ....
A Pair of Black Wildebeest
A Blue Wildebeest or Brindled Gnu
Albino Cape Duiker ; Ram and Fawn
Cape Duikers .....
A Pair of Blue Duikers with Fawn .
A Cape Duiker Ewe, Half-skeletonised
An Albino Blue Duiker or " Ipiti "
A Pair of Klipspringers
A Pair of Oribi .
Steenbok ; Ram, Ewe and Fawn
Grysbok ; Ewe and Fawn .
Grysbok with Five Legs
Livingstone's Suni
A Waterbuck Bull
A Pair of Lechwe
A PuKu Ram

Reedbuck or Reitbok ; Ram and Ewe

To face page

7
lo

17
20

24
29
32
39
39
42

44
51

55
58
62
62
^7
71
74
78

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

The Mountain Reedbuck or Rooi Rhebok

A Snowy-white Springbuck . • .

Vaal or Grey Rhebok ; Ram, Ewe and Fawn

Imfala or Pallah; Ram, Ewe and Fawn

Springbuck ; Ram and Ewe

A Pair of Roan Antelopes and Calf .

A Gemsbok Calf and its Foster-Mother

A Sable Antelope; Immature Female

The Damaraland Dik-dik .

Young Gemsbok .

BusHBUCK ; Ram, Ewe and Fawn

A BusHBUCK Ram

Thigh-bone of Bushbuck Ram, showing
Healing of a Fracture

Albino Bushbuck Ewes

Inyala; Ram and Ewe

Sports or Mutations ; Bushbuck Rams

A Young Situtunga

Young Kudus

The Eland

The Red or Cape Hartebeest

The Hippopotamus

A Boar Bush Pig or Bosch Vark

Complete Skeleton of a Bush Pig

A Calf of the Cape Buffalo

A Wart Hog Boar

The Extinct Quagga .

Foal of a Mountain Zebra

xii

To jace \

ILLUSTRATIONS

A Group of Tame Zebras .... To face page 183

The Mountain Zebra . . . . „ 186

The Giraffe ...... „ 186

Sub-species of Burchell's Zebra; Mare and

Foal ....... „ 190

Another Mare and Foal of Sub-species of

Burchell's Zebra ..... „ . 190

The Black Rhinoceros or Zwart Rhenoster ,, 213

The Klip Dassie ..... „ 220

The Tree Dassie ..... „ 234

The African Elephant .... „ 242

A Mounted Group of White or Square-
lipped Rhinoceroses .... „ 242

Young African Elephants awaiting Shipment „ 255

xiu

THE NATURAL HISTORY OF
SOUTH AFRICA

THE HARTEBEEST

Africa from the Cape to the most northern limits
is the home of the antelopes known as Hartebeest.
One species known as the Bubal Hartebeest (Bubalis
boselaphus) which is common in Northern Africa
extends into Arabia. All the other species, of which
there are several, are confined to Africa.

Only two species inhabit Africa south of the
Zambesi and Cunene Rivers, viz. the Cape or Red
Hartebeest and Lichtenstein's Hartebeest. The
former is confined to Africa south of the Limpopo
River, but the latter, which inhabits the north-
eastern portion of South Africa, ranges into Central
Africa.

The Dutch Voortrekkers gave the name of Harte-
beest to this antelope from a fancied resemblance
to a hart or stag, an animal which in point of
size and colour it somewhat resembles.

Most members of the antelope tribe are exceed-
ingly graceful in appearance and in their movements.
The Hartebeest, on the contrary, owing to its height

VOL. m I

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

at the shoulders being much greater than that at
the hindquarters, and its rather ungainly-looking
head, presents a rather ungraceful appearance,
particularly so when running. In consequence
of this elk-like form of body, the name of Alcelaphus
(Elk-stag) was given to it, a name which was very
appropriate ; but following the law of priority, the
older name of Bubalis was revived.

In the Hartebeest group of antelopes the females
are horned, although, as in other species of horned
female antelopes, the horns are not so robust as
those of the male.

THE CAPE HARTEBEEST

(Bubalis caama)

Red or Rooi Hartebeest of the Colonists ; Kaama of the Hotten-
tots (Smuts) and Bechuanas (Bryden) ; Indhluzele of Zulus ;
Ixama of Amaxosa {Stanford) ; 'Ama ingama of Makalakas
and Masawas {Selous).

The Cape Hartebeest formerly inhabited the whole
of South Africa in immense numbers from the
coastal districts of the Cape as far north as Limpopo
River, and along the confines of the Kalahari Desert.
Sparrman and other travellers in South Africa
in the early days of its colonisation, record the
existence of this Hartebeest in the immediate neigh-
bourhood of Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Sclater
mentions that they are stated to have existed in
Beaufort West as late as 1864.

THE CAPE HARTEBEEST

On the advent of the white man with his firearms
the innumerable herds of Hartebeest were rapidly
reduced in numbers, and the survivors were driven
into the more remote districts. A few still linger
in the north-west of the Cape Province, which is
known as Namaqualand and Great Bushman Land.
Further north they are not uncommon in South-
West Africa and on the plains and open forests
of British Bechuanaland, the Bechuanaland Pro-
tectorate and the north-west portion of the Trans-
vaal. Briefly, the habitat of the Cape Hartebeest
is Africa south of the Limpopo River. In the
uplands of Natal, the Eastern Transvaal, Basutoland
and the Orange Free State, a few are preserved on
farms. On an estate in the Greytown District
in Natal a large herd of Cape or Red Hartebeest
have been preserved for many years. These bred
so freely that it was found necessary to diminish
their numbers at frequent intervals.

The Cape Hartebeest associates in small troops
of six to about a dozen individuals and frequents
the open plains and bush-veld, chiefly in the dry,
desert-like western parts of the country. In the
past large herds of at least fifty were frequently seen.
Owing to long-continued persecution this animal
has become exceedingly suspicious and wary, and
on the slightest indication of danger it makes off
at a tremendous pace which is greater than that
of any other South African antelope, with the
exception of the Sassaby. This Hartebeest, relying

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

upon its flcetness and ability to outdistance any
horse, frequently pauses in its flight to gaze at its
pursuer. In consequence it often falls a victim
to the hunter armed with a long-range modern rifle.
Although the speed of the Hartebeest when at
full stride is very great, yet it has not the appearance
of being such to the observer, and in consequence
inexperienced sportsmen often exhaust their horses
in a vain endeavour to overtake it.

In the past the principal natural enemies of the
Cape Hartebeest, which kept its species in check,
were the large carnivorous animals such as the Lion,
Chita and Cape Hunting Dog. Lions sprang out
upon it from places of concealment ; the Chita
cleverly stalked it ; and the Cape Hunting Dogs
pursued it in troops and ran it down, owing to their
superiority in endurance, and the clever tactics
which they often employed.

On the advent of the breeding season, the rival
male's fight in the most determined manner with
one another, which results in the less physically fit
individuals being driven off and prevented from
breeding.

The Cape Hartebeest, in common with most
of the other larger South African antelopes, suffers
from Bot-flies. These flies deposit their eggs in
the nasal and ear passages of the animal, and the
larvae or grubs which hatch from these eggs, feed
upon the mucus exuded as a result of the irritation
of the tissues set up by their presence. The

THE CAPE HARTEBEEST

grubs often burrow Into the frontal cavities of the
skull. That these parasites are a source of constant
irritation to the animal there can be no doubt, for
the victim in a vain attempt to free itself is almost
constantly sneezing and blov^ing. I examined a
series of Hartebeest heads in Natal and found several
of the larvae of the Bot-fly in about one in every
five of the heads. They were usually lodged high
up in the nasal passages, but in several instances
I discovered them in the frontal skull cavities and
deep in the bony cavity of the ear. In tv\^o instances
which came under my observation the damage to
the mechanism of the ear was so serious that the
sense of hearing had been quite destroyed.

After several months the grubs reach maturity
and make their way into the nostrils, causing such
intense irritation that in the violent sneezing which
ensues, they are expelled and fall to the ground,
where they at once bury themselves and turn into
the chrysalis {pupa) condition, and eventually emerge
as mature Bot-flies.

The flesh of the Hartebeest is dark in colour and
rather tasteless when eaten fresh, but it makes
excellent biltong.

The Hartebeest rarely attempt to use their
horns against mankind, even when wounded and
at bay.

In the intervals of feeding and resting, the
males indulge largely in the sport of butting and
fighting with one another, often upon their knees,

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

in order to make better use of their peculiar-shaped
horns.

The eyes of the Hartebeest are set very high up
on the head, and when the animal elevates its head
to its maximum height, it is able to command an
extensive view of the veld.

The skin has always been greatly sought after
by the Bechuanaland tribes of natives for making
large cloaks, better known as karosses.

These antelopes are able to go for long periods
without drinking, for they have often been met with
in the north Kalahari during the rainless periods of
the year when no surface water was available.

Like many other antelopes, they often congregate
at salt pans to lick the salt. These salt pans or
surface ponds of salt-charged water are common
in South Africa. Some of them are worked and
yield large quantities of excellent salt. Many of
the pans dry up completely for long periods owing
to the droughts which are so prevalent in the western
parts of South Africa.

The Hartebeest, when captured young, soon
becomes docile and friendly, and will often go out
to graze with domestic cows in the morning, and
return to the homestead with them at sundown
for its evening feed of fodder.

When observed moving about at its leisure in a
paddock, this rather hulking-looking animal does
not give the observer any inkling of the tremendous
powers of endurance and fleetness it possesses.

LICHTENSTEIN'S HARTEBEEST

The Red or Cape Hartebeest is reddish-brown
in colour; a black patch is present on the forehead,
and a stripe of the same colour extends from the
nostrils almost to the eyes on the front of the face.
From between the horns a narrow line of black runs
down the ridge of the neck to the shoulders; the
fronts of the fore-legs are blackish, which is more
pronounced on the upper parts to the knees; tail
covered with black hairs commencing near the root.
The average height of a male Cape Hartebeest at
the shoulders is 4 feet.

The female is horned.

LICHTENSTEIN'S HARTEBEEST

{Buhalis lichtenstcini)

Moff Hartebeest of the Transvaal Boers ; Vacca de Mato (IFood
Cow) of the Portuguese ; Konze of Masubias ; Inkulanondo
of Mashonas ; Kokotombwi of Barotse ; Konzi in Chilala
and Chibisa countries ; Konshi in the Chinyanja.

Lichtenstein's Hartebeest inhabits the eastern part
of South Africa, north of the Nuanetsi and Sabi
Rivers of south-east Mashonaland, and up through
the Pungwe Valley to the Zambesi. Beyond this
river it extends up the eastern side of the continent
to the line of latitude of Zanzibar. North of Zanzi-
bar its place is taken by Coke's Hartebeest {Buhalis
cokei). Lichtenstein's Hartebeest was first brought
to notice by Dr. W. Peters who met with it in
Mozambique during his travels in 1 842 -48, and named

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

it after the great traveller and Naturalist Lichten-
stein.

This Hartebeest frequents the open grassy veld
and bush-veld in small troops of five or six to a
dozen individuals, and may frequently be seen
grazing in company with other large species of
antelopes such as the Gnu, Sable, Waterbuck and
Impala.

The calves are usually born in October and
November. It has a habit of drinking during the
early morning and in the evening. The Lion,
knowing the habits of this antelope, lies in ambush
near its tracks to the drinking places, ready to spring
or rush out and secure it for a meal.

The Lichtenstein Hartebeest is of the same average
size as the Cape Hartebeest, but it differs consideraby
in the shape of its horns, which are flatter at the
base, more acutely curved backwards, and not set so
high as those of its southern relative the Cape
Hartebeest. The body is a rather bright rufous
which becomes deeper along the back.

The lower front portions of the hind-legs from
below the knees are black, and the fore-legs from
above the knees to the hoofs are similarly marked.
The chin is black, but the black blaze on the muzzle
and the black patch on the forehead of the Cape
Hartebeest are absent on this species.

The flesh is good, but should not be roasted or
fried in its own fat, as the latter is hard, and when
cool sticks to the teeth and the palate.

THE BONTEBOK

{Damaliscus pygargus)

The Bontebok or Pied Goat of the Dutch colonists
existed in tens of thousands in former days on the
plains of the south-western corner of the Cape
Province.

Harris mentions having found the Bontebok in
vast numbers on the Karoo of the interior of the
Cape Province, but this is doubted by Mr. W. L.
Sclater. Harris was the first man to define clearly
the difference between the Bontebok and Blesbok,
and he would, therefore, not have been likely to
confuse it with the latter, as was the case with other
early travellers.

The Bontebok is now extinct in the wild or feral
condition, and the only living representatives of
this once numerous and strictly localised antelope
are preserved on some estates in the Bredasdorp
Division of the Cape Province. The history of how
this antelope was saved from extinction was kindly
contributed at my request by J. D. Albcrtyn, Esq.,
who has a thriving herd of Bontebok on his estate.
I cannot do better than produce it verbatim. It
is as follows :

" The Bontebok is one of an old family of antelopes
known to exist in large herds on the coastal parts
of what is now the Swellendam Division in the early
days when the first European settlers came to these

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

parts. But, like most other big game, this species
of antelope has been ruthlessly slaughtered by
unscrupulous huntsmen. If it had not been for
the foresight and love of preservation of the South
African fauna of a few worthy landed proprietors,
whose names I will mention further on, who came
to settle in what they then called Overberg, it is
quite evident that the beautiful Bontebok, so much
admired to-day by lovers of game animals, would
have belonged to the list of extinct antelopes. In
the year 1837 Mr. Alexander Van der Byl, the then
proprietor of ' Nacht Wacht,' seeing that the Bonte-
bok was becoming a fast disappearing species, con-
structed a large camp of some 6000 acres on the
western side of the Kars river, partly with galvanised
wire and iron standards, and partly with a stone
wall ; and on the eastern side the water of the Kars
river formed a natural boundary, and in this enclosure
he succeeded in preserving some twenty-seven
Bonteboks which gradually increased and diminished
again in times of severe droughts, to which South
Africa is so frequently subjected. The original
twenty-seven antelopes have increased to 180, still
in existence, and carefully preserved by the present
owner of the farm. The example of Mr. Van der
Byl to preserve the Bontebok was soon followed by
the adjoining proprietors of Zeekoe Vley, who,
although he did not go to the extent of expenses
as his more well-to-do and progressive neighbour
to fence in his Bontebok, found out that he could

'A 6

;cj

THE BONTEBOK

do much good by proclaiming a sanctuary on which ^ /

he so strictly preserved them, that he could not be
moved to part from his severe resolution to favour
the son of his beloved sovereign (Queen Victoria) to
have a shot at the Bontebok on his preserve ; and
His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh had to
confine his sport amongst the Bontebok of his host,
Mr. Van der Byl of ' Nacht Wacht.' Further east,
on the western side of the Breede River near Fort
Beaufort, a herd of Bontebok was preserved by a
large landowner, Mr. F. R. Myburgh, but after
his death some twenty years ago, his ground was sold
to different people who evidently did not in a hke
sense appreciate the care of the former owner, and
the herd soon dwindled down, and I believe to-day
less than a dozen are the sum total which mark the
herd so carefully preserved by Mr. Myburgh near
Fort Beaufort, so that practically all the Bontebok
still in existence in their natural state are some
140 on the farm ' Nacht Wacht ' owned by me,
and 120 on the adjoining farm owned by Mr.
P. K. Albertyn ; twenty to thirty on the farm
* Vagelgezang,' joining Zeekoe Vley, belonging to
Messrs. Myburgh Bros. ; a few strayed buck on
Zoetendale Vley, belonging to Mr. H. Van Breda,
and on the farm Pattenbcrg, where the late Mr.
Andrew Ohlsson with his great love for preserv-
ing South African game had started a small herd
which have since been added to by me (the now
proprietor of Pattenberg) ; and a herd of about

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTPl AFRICA

fifteen Bontebok and Blesbok mixed are flourishing
and interbreeding.

" The open plains on which these antelopes are
preserved are becoming very valuable for cultivation
and grain growing, and it is possible they may
eventually become quite extinct. If it were not
for the careful preservation by the few landowners
already mentioned, they would have been extinct
long before now.

" The Bontebok stands about 3 feet 6 inches high
when full grown, and weighs up to 200 lbs. It is
of a rich dark brown in colour with white legs reach-
ing up to the rump ; the lower parts and the
forehead are white. At a distance it looks brown
and white, hence 'the name Bontebok. It frequents
the open places, and does not seek shelter or cover
to conceal itself from its pursuers. Its preservation
lies in its keen eye, and the great swiftness with
which it can ply its strong and tapering legs when
once started by its persecutors.

*' These antelopes went about in small herds, but
were also seen in troops of up to 100.

Sometimes it drops its young, which is of a rich
cream colour, in September and October, and it
begins to change from fawn into the colour of the
adult in March and April, but is not at its best
before it is about three years old, when the male is
of a slightly darker colour than the ewe.

" Nature has supplied it with the instinct to kill
or drive from the herd those which are sick, feeble

THE BONTEBOK

or defective in any way, otherwise in the semi-
confined conditions under which they have now to
exist, inbreeding would cause their constitution
to become so deteriorated that they would not sur-
vive the severeness of the periodical droughts. You
can constantly see the stronger at work driving away
and not infrequently killing off the weaker ones,
so that there is no fear that a not fully-matured
buck or an old buck on which age is telling on its
vitality will be bred from. The very large pro-
portion of male buck in the herds is attributed
to too much inbreeding. This problem I am hope-
ful of solving in a few years' time, as I am now crossing
at Pattenberg the Bontebok of the south with the
Blesbok of the Free State, and the first result was a
female."

The Bontebok, like its near neighbour the Blesbok,
is by nature an inhabitant of the plains, and subsists
on the stunted bushes and coarse grass with which
they are covered. The herbage in the Bredasdorp
Division to which they are now confined consists
of rhenoster bush-heather and coarse grass.

When making off they run in single file, usually
up-wind with their heads held low.

The period of gestation of this animal is from
nine to ten months. The fawns at birth have no
white blaze on the face, or white body and leg
markings as in the adults.

The Bontebok no doubt was formerly a local
variety of the Blesbok, which owing to the nature

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

of its environment has diverged so considerably
in its markings from its progenitors that naturahsts
were justified in making a distinct species of it.

The Bontebok species may have come into exist-
ence through a Blesbok herd-bull being abnormal
in colour, and the herd subsequently confining its
range to the south-w^estern portion of the Cape
Province.

The Bontebok differs from the Blesbok in the
following ways :

(i) Horns are black.

(2) Rump white.

(3) Lower half of legs white both on outer and
inner sides.

The Bontebok interbreeds freely with the Blesbok,
and the progeny are fertile.

THE BLESBOK

{Damaliscus albifrons)

Ilinqua or Inoni of Amaxosa ; Noni of Bechuanas and Basutos.

Blesbok is a South African Dutch word which
means " the buck with a white face."

In the early days of the colonisation of South
Africa, the Blesbok inhabited the veld in vast numbers
in the north-eastern portions of the Cape Province,
the Orange Free State, Transvaal and the eastern
part of Bechuanaland. The northern limit of the
Blesbok is the Limpopo River.

o P

THE BLESBOK

In some of the sketches and paintings of the early
travellers in South Africa, the Blcsbok is depicted
in small herds feeding out on the Karoo-veld along
with the Zebra, Ostrich, Springbok and Wildebeest.

The Blesbok congregated in small herds and
frequented the vast plains of the high veld, where it
was hunted and slain in great numbers. Retiring
from these exposed plains it fled to the bush-veld,
but so relentlessly has it been hunted that to-day
it has almost, if not quite, ceased to exist in the wild
condition. Its species, however, is in no danger of
extinction, for herds of them are preserved on a
considerable number of fenced farms in the Cape
Province and Free State. These captive antelopes
breed freely and are regarded by the farmers as a
valuable asset. The herds are thinned out each
season and the carcases command a good price on
the market, as the venison is excellent though some-
what dry. First-class biltong is made from it.

The Blesbok, moreover, in the future will command
a good price from animal dealers for supplying
Zoological Gardens in various parts of the world,
and as Museum specimens. Owners of herds would,
therefore, do well to take every care of them. The
gradual extinction of a herd through inbreeding
may be prevented by the introduction of males
from other herds from time to time.

In former days, when the country was open
and free, the Blesbok migrated across the Vaal
south to the Karoo-veld in the winter, and back

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

again to the north in the summer in time for the
calving, which occurred in October and November.
The reason for this periodic migration was because
the frosts of winter killed off the grass of the veld
in the northern districts, thus depriving this animal
of its food supply. On the contrary the highly
nutritious herbage of the Karoo-veld flourishes during
the winter time, and in the past afforded sustenance
for hosts of herbivorous animals, the majority of
which otherwise would have perished from starvation.

The Blesbok is a keenly observant animal, and
its powers of scent are acute, and in consequence
it is a most difficult creature to stalk. When dis-
turbed it invariably retreats at a rapid, heavy canter
up-wind, with its head held low and nose near the
ground. The Blesbok averages 3 feet in height at
the shoulders. The body is strongly built.

The only other antelope for which it can be
mistaken is its very close relative, the Bontebok,
which is similar in shape and size. The Blesbok,
however, differs considerably from its relative in its
colouration and markings. Its body colour is more
reddish than that of the Bontebok, and lacks the dark
blackish-purple gloss of the latter. The Bontebok
is pure white on the under parts, which are sharply
distinguished from the dark sides. The white
extends between the hind-legs and forms a prominent
white rump patch. The absence of these markings
in the Blesbok distinguish it at once from the
Bontebok.

THE SASSABY

The horns are similar in shape to those of the
Bontebok, but they are pale in colour and not black
as in the latter animal.

The female is horned.

THE SASSABY OR BASTARD
HARTEBEEST

{Damaliscus lunatus)

Tsessebe of Bechuanas (from whence the English name of Sassaby
originated) ; Mzanzi of Zulus ; Mzanci of Swazis ; Incolomo
of Matabele ; Ingalowana of Basutos ; Inkweko of Masubias ;
Inyundo of Makalakas ; Kaboli of Barotse and Lake Ngami
country ; Luchu of Masaras ; M'tengo in Chilala and Chibisa ;
Unchuru of Makubas.

The Sassaby inhabits South Africa eastwards
through the north-eastern Transvaal and Portuguese
East Africa south of the Zambesi. The Inkomati
River, which is formed by the union of the Crocodile
and Komati Rivers at the Transvaal-Portuguese
boundary, appears to be the southern limit of the
Sassaby, according to Major J. Stevenson-Hamilton.
It extends westwards through Southern Rhodesia
to the Zambesi.

The early travellers in South Africa record the
Sassaby north of the Orange River in Bechuanaland.
It is possible a few still linger in the more remote
districts.

Beyond the Zambesi this antelope ranges north-
wards to British East Africa.

VOL. Ill 17 2

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

The Sassaby inhabits the open grassy veld and
bush-veld, but does not frequent the dense jungle-
like forests or hills.

They associate in troops of about a dozen
individuals, but oftener in small parties of from
three to six. Occasionally large herds are seen
towards the close of the dry season.

Before the advent of the European hunter, the
Sassaby roamed the plains in large herds of many
hundreds, often in the company of the Zebra and
Wildebeest.

The Sassaby is regarded as the fleetest and most
enduring of all South African antelopes, and can
easily outdistance even the best-mounted hunters.
It usually moves off at first at an ungainly, lumbering
canter like Its cousin the Hartebeest, but when
thoroughly scared its speed rivals that of the finest
racehorse. Hunters often manage to get within
gunshot of the Sassaby by concealing themselves
and hoisting a piece of red rag on the end of a stick.
This bit of cloth waving in the breeze excites the
curiosity of these animals, which slowly approach
to endeavour to solve the mystery. So confident
is the animal in its powers of flight that it will often
stand and stare at the hunter until he has approached
sufficiently close for an easy and effective shot.
The flesh of the Sassaby ranks high as venison.

The usual calving time is October, although calves
are occasionally born in September and as late as
December. The bulls fight fiercely, and the defeated

THE BLACK WILDEBEEST

ones are driven into exile and attach themselves
to troops of Zebras and Wildebeest.

There is some reason to believe that the Sassaby
will interbreed with the Hartebeest.

The Sassaby is very similar in form and size to the
Hartebeest, but is higher at the withers, sloping
off considerably to the rump. An adult bull stands
4 feet 10 inches at the withers. The general colour
is chocolate-brown and more or less shiny, varying
with the degree and angle of the light rays. Dark,
almost black patches are present on the face, which
extend up between the horns. Similarly coloured
broad stripes run down the outside of the fore-limbs
nearly to the knees, where they form a ring ; others
are present on the haunches, extending down and
round the limb at the hocks.

The calves are pale chestnut or bright yellowish-
red in colour.

The female Sassaby is horned.

THE BLACK WILDEBEEST OR
WHITE-TAILED GNU

{Connochcetes gnu)

Inkankone of Zulus; Inxu of Amaxosa ; T'gnu of Hottentots.

This antelope was originally known as the Gnu,
and to distinguish it from the other species it was
termed the White-tailed Gnu, owing toitslongwhite
tail. The word Gnu is from the Hottentot name

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

of the animal, viz. T'gnu, given in imitation of the
bellowing snort of the old bulls. This Gnu was
subsequently called the Zwart Wildebeest by the
Dutch Voortrekkers, which means Black Wild Beast,
or more correctly the Black Wild Ox. The word
Wildebeest is pronounced Vil-de-beast.

The Black Wildebeest in former days inhabited
the Karoo of the Cape, high-veld of the Orange
Free State, and the southern half of the Transvaal,
in herds of from a dozen to fifty and even more.
Early writers describe them as existing in immense
numbers, the veld being covered with herds of them
as far as the horizon, peacefully grazing in the com-
pany of the Wild Ostrich and Zebra. The inevitable
result of the advance of civilisation was the wholesale
destruction of these great herds of Wildebeest, and
to-day this wonderfully interesting animal is extinct
in the wild or feral condition, except perhaps in
South- West Africa, where a few may still survive.

Some of the progressive farmers in the Orange
Free State and Transvaal preserved small herds
on their farms. Owing to the long-continued in-
breeding most of the herds were diminishing in
numbers. When the late South African War began
it was the general opinion that the big game would
be practically exterminated in those districts which
were the seats of Military Operations. However,
it proved to be the very reverse, for, owing to the
destruction of fences, the Wildebeest, Blesbok and
Springbok broke loose and spread over the country,

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THE BLACK WILDEBEEST

comparatively few falling victims to Boer or Briton.
By the time the war was ended the various herds
had interbred so freely that the danger was averted —
of deterioration and gradual extinction due to in-
breeding— which threatened the isolated herds on
farms remote from each other. From enquiries
recently made it is apparent that the Black Wilde-
beest has been increasing rapidly in numbers, and
bids fair to become one of the domestic food animals
of man.

Every season the herds are thinned out, the meat
commanding a good price as venison, or in the form
of biltong.

An animal dealer of my acquaintance has for
some years been in the habit of shipping Black
Wildebeest to various over-sea Zoological Gardens.

A Voortrekker friend who passed most of his days
in fighting the savage native hordes, and in hunting
lions and various other wild animals, used to relate
to me his experiences, and said in the early days
the plains were teeming with game animals of various
species. He and his friends made a business of
collecting the hides of large antelopes, trekked to
the nearest trading-station and bartered them for
groceries, clothing and other requirements. He
related that on one occasion he and his friends pene-
trated a district where the Wildebeest had hitherto
been unmolested, and so unsuspicious were they
that sufficient of them were killed to load up five
wagons with their hides. The horns at that time

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

were considered to be valueless, and were left upon
the veld.

Fifteen years ago in Natal good pairs of horns
were in great demand at ^lo per pair. At the
present time they are selling at ^i los. to £2.

The Black Wildebeest is noted for its great speed,
powers of endurance and tenacity to life.

When brought to bay by dogs they fight fiercely,
and use the sharp upturned points of their horns
to great advantage.

In captivity the males are very pugnacious, and
furiously attack any man or animal that might
intrude into their paddocks. Instances are on
record of men being thus gored to death.

On the advent of the breeding season the males
fight viciously with one another. In fact, when not
feeding or resting, they are nearly always either
sparring with each other or prodding the ground
with their upturned horns.

The calves are born usually in December after
a gestation period of eight to eight and a half months.
Although the calf begins to nibble grass and Karoo-
bush when a week old, the mother continues to
suckle it for seven or eight months.

In the early days before these animals had learned
by bitter experience to regard man as a dangerous
enemy, they showed great curiosity, and acted in a
most extraordinary way when he approached. One
or even several herds would gallop and charge, wheel
about, caper, whisk their tails, paw the ground, butt

THE BLACK WILDEBEEST

with each other and perform the most remarkable
evolutions around the intruder at a greater or lesser
distance. Gordon Gumming fully describes these
curious antics in his book.

In common with most other large South African
antelopes, the Wildebeest is attacked by the Bot-
fly, and is victimised in the same manner as the
Cape Hartebeest in the way already described.
The Black Wildebeest is a curious-looking beast with
a head resembling that of a cow, a horse-like body,
and the feet of an antelope.

The height of an adult male at the shoulder is
3 feet 6 inches to 4 feet. The general colour of the
hair is deep umber-brown or rich chocolate-brown,
passing into black. An upright, stiff mane is present
along the ridge of the neck ; an upwardly directed
patch of black hair stands on the face ; a bigger patch
grows from the chin and throat, and a third between
the fore-legs. The tail is horselike, the long hairs
being abundant, long and white. The female is
smaller than the male and is horned, but, like the
horns of the females of other species of antelopes,
they are not so robust as those of the male.

The mammae, like those of the domestic cow,
are four in number. The eyes are wild and fierce-
looking, and in size and shape resemble those of an
ox, and are surrounded with long white bristles
which also occur upon the nostrils.

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

THE BLUE WILDEBEEST
OR BRINDLED GNU

(Connocht^Us taurinus)

Kaop (which means Baas or master) of Namaquas and Hotten-
tots ; Kokoon of Bechuanas ; Inkone-kone of Swazis, Zulus
and Matabele ; Ikokoni of Basutos ; Ee-vumba of Maka-
lakas ; Kokong of Barotse and Batoka tribes ; Minyumbwi of
Batongas ; Numbo of Masubias ; Nyamba of the Chilala
and Chisenga ; Unzozo of the Makubas.

The Blue Wildebeest, Blaauw or Bastard Wildebeest
of the Dutch colonists, inhabits South Africa from
the South-West across to Portuguese East Africa
and the Zambesi. It extends as far south as the
low country of the Eastern Transvaal and the Malopo
River on the west. North of the Zambesi it is
common as far as the Equator.

In former times the Blue Wildebeest was plentiful
all over South Africa, from the vicinity of the Orange
River to the Zambesi. It was to be seen in troops
of from a dozen to about sixty individuals on the
plains and bush-veld, but never in broken, rocky
country or amongst the hills. Like its relative, the
Black Wildebeest, it is a grass-eating antelope of the
plains.

Owing to being hunted so relentlessly by man,
these antelopes are retiring to the more wooded
districts to escape his attacks.

In secluded districts they are usually found in
the open, grassy country interspersed with patches

THE BLUE WILDEBEEST

of mimosa and other bush, where they seek shelter
from the heat of the midday sun.

Sometimes the herd retire to rest and ruminate
out In the centre of the veld, where there Is a good
view for a long distance. At these times one of the
herd, usually an old cow, does sentry-go.

This antelope, although so clumsy-looking. Is
exceedingly swift when fleeing from an enemy, and
never seems to tire. Even with a broken leg or a
bullet In Its body. It will succeed in outdistancing
and running right away from a well-mounted
hunter.

' During the winter season the adult bulls are often
found In troops apart from the cows and Immature
animals.

It Is useless for a hunter to pursue a troop of these
animals with the object of overtaking them. The
troop can often be turned and headed in a contrary
direction by firing over their heads so that the bullet
will raise up the sand or dust In front of them, and
in this manner they are often brought within range
of the hunter's rifle.

It is at the best of times dreadfully tough and
fatiguing work hunting this wary antelope.

When wounded and brought to bay the Wildebeest
should be approachedwithcautlonby the dismounted
sportsman, for, as likely as not, the apparently dying
animal will rise and make a sudden charge, and use
its horns with terrible effect.

Nearly all the African antelopes are noted for

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

their endurance and great tenacity of life. The
Blue Wildebeest is not lacking in this respect, indeed
it possesses a larger share of vitality than many of
the others, for all hunters agree that even when
seriously wounded it will succeed in escaping even
from a well-mounted man.

These animals feed principally at night, and are
ever on the alert against their arch enemy, the Lion.
So long as there is sufficient pasturage and water,
and provided they are not persecuted, a herd will
remain in the same locality and not attempt to
wander off. The feeding grounds of each herd
seem to be carefully marked off ; and any encroach-
ment of one herd on the domain of another is strongly
resented. In this connection Major J. Stevenson-
Hamilton in his Animal Life in Africa says : " Any
infringement of the grazing rights appears to be
strongly resented ; and I was once witness of a most
remarkable episode when the herd bull of a certain
troop chased a party of invaders back on to their own
ground on the other side of a small stream, returning
quietly to his own party as soon as his duty was done.
Not the least remarkable phase of the incident was
the sense of wrong-doing exhibited by the tres-
passers, who displayed not the smallest tendency
to offer any resistance."

These antelopes are very swift and hardy as well
' as courageous. Like some other species of the larger
antelopes, they often fall victims to the hunter's
rifle by pausing during their flight to gaze at him.

THE BLUE WILDEBEEST

When fleeing from an enemy they often gallop
almost in a line at a very rapid pace, the females
leading and the adult males in the rear.

Burchell's Zebras are often seen grazing with herds
of Blue Wildebeest, and seem to be on the friendliest
terms with them.

Old males which have been driven out of the
herd by their younger rivals are sometimes met with
alone, but more usually they attach themselves
to herds of Sassaby, Waterbuck, Zebra and Impala.

The Blue Wildebeest is not so full of life, frolic
and dash as is its cousin the Black Wildebeest, and
is somewhat clumsy and stolid, but nevertheless
when brought to bay it puts up a good fight.

There are considerable numbers of these animals
in the Transvaal Game Reserve, where they breed
freely. The calving occurs from September to
the end of December. The calves bleat very much
like the cal vcsof domesticcattle,and untilsufliciently
strong and fleet to join the herd, they are kept con-
cealed in thick bush or long grass, and carefully
watched over by their mothers.

The gestation period is from eight to nine months.

The flesh of this antelope is coarse, hard and dry ;
but it makes fairly good biltong.

The average height of the Blue Wildebeest is
4 feet 3 inches at the shoulder. It is bulkier than
the other species and more ox-like. The general
colour is dark bluish-drab with a silvery sheen, and
indistinct traces of brown transverse bands on the

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

sides of the body. The nose is somewhat curved,
and the face and tail are black.

The female is horned and resembles the male,
but has a more slender neck, and is less robust in
appearance.

The neck of this Wildebeest is not arched as
with the Black species. The head is large and
buffalo-like, and seems quite out of proportion
to the body of the animal.

THE CAPE DUIKER

{Ccphalophus grimmi)

Impunzi of the Zulus, Swazis, Amaxosa and Matabele ; Iputi of
Basuto ; Puti of Bechuanas ; Pembgee of Makalakas ; Unsa
of Masubias ; Gwapi of Chinyanjas ; Nagi of M'Kua ; Gudda
of Hausas ; Mpewo of Wagandas.

Duiker is a South African Dutch word which means
diver. It is generally known in South Africa as the
Duikerbok or Diving buck or goat. The name
Duiker is also applied to the Cormorant, which is
a diving sea bird.

The Duikerbok or Cape Duiker is one of the best
known of all the African antelopes. It inhabits
all the provinces of South Africa, and is common
north of the Zambesi to Somaliland on the east, and
Angola on the west.

The Cape Duiker inhabits the open country
covered with scattered bush such as the bush-veld.
It is seldom found far from patches of bush into
which it at once retreats when alarmed.

This antelope feeds during the evening and early
morning on leaves, wild berries, fruits, young shoots
and tender grass. In secluded localities it is some-
times seen abroad on cloudy days, the late afternoon
and early morning.

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

During the daytime the Duiker rests, as a rule,
in thick cover, but sometimes Hes under a small
shrub beneath the shelter of a jutting boulder,
or in long grass. It lies in its form as close as a hare,
and usually does not break cover until it realises
it has been discovered ; whereupon it dashes off
at a great pace heading for the nearest cover. Every
few strides it springs into the air in order to ascertain
the nature of the enemy and his intentions. On
gaining the bush after a final spring or two to locate
the foe, it disappears or dives into the foliage, and
after turning to either right or left, pursues a zig-zag
course without a pause until it is satisfied it has
baffled the enemy.

When thoroughly scared, the Duiker travels
several miles at a rapid pace. In many localities
the scrub grows in large isolated patches, and when
hunted out of one patch, it flees to a neighbouring
one and conceals itself therein.

In Natal I frequently startled Duikers from their
" form," under isolated bushes, or in long grass in
valleys where there was no bushy cover for miles.
In these instances the animals made off across the
hilly, grass-covered country, and could be watched
with a field-glass for a considerable time.

The Duiker buck is incessantly hunted both by
Europeans and natives ; but, because it never pauses
like most other antelopes to look round, and by
reason of its baffling flight through the bush or
long grass, its species is still common.

THE CAPE DUIKER

When hunting the Cape Duiker in Natal, a party
of natives and dogs are usually got together. These
natives are employed as beaters, and the sportsmen,
who are mounted, take up convenient positions on
the opposite side of the patch of bush the natives
are beating, and shoot the bucks when they break
cover.

These hunts are often organised by the farmers
for the purpose of reducing the numbers of Duikers
because of their destructiveness. Several farmer
friends of mine were obliged to organise hunts
every season to rid their neighbourhood of these
animals, which issue forth during the hours of dark-
ness and eat oif the tender young plants.

A farmer friend in Natal, thinking he had destroyed
or frightened off all the Duikers in his vicinity,
planted a ten-acre field with beans. In two nights
the entire field of young beans had vanished into
the paunches of the Duikers.

No ordinary fence of wires will keep them out,
for they are adepts at jumping and squeezing through
small spaces.

Duikers do not usually eat grass, but after the
veld has been burned and the young tender grass
is shooting up, they feed freely upon it. Duikers
having become a pest on a neighbour's estate, we
managed to lure them to their doom through their
curiosity. A hole was dug, and a shrub placed
at one side on the surface of the ground. Immedi-
ately in front of this bush an acetylene bicycle lamp

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

was placed. Seeing the strong light, the Duikers
from the bush-covered neighbourhood gradually
approached, and the moment one appeared in the
glare cast by the lamp, it was shot. It was useless
attempting this stratagem twice during the same
evening at the same spot.

In the eastern parts of South Africa this buck
is the favourite food of the python {Fython scbcs).
After constricting an adult Duiker, a 1 6-foot python
can swallow its victim with ease. Sometimes the
hindquarters are swallowed first, and the horns get
wedged in the throat of the snake and perforate
the flesh and skin of the neck. When this occurs
in the neck region, the snake usually dies ; but if
the victim has been swallowed into the stomach
of the reptile, and the horns should perforate the
flesh and skin, they work their way right out and
fall off after the skull has been dissolved by the
snake's powerful digestive juices. In Natal I came
across several instances of such perforations. It
seems almost incredible that a python can swallow
an adult Duiker hind-parts first, and succeed in work-
ing its jaws over its sharp, pointed horns when they
are reversed, but nevertheless it is true. Hearing
a Duiker screaming in mortal terror, I hastened
through the bush on a hillside in Natal, and in an
open space came upon a python endeavouring to
kill it by constriction. The python was rather
small for the job, but fought most gamely. Giving
the reptile a kick with my boot, it swiftly uncoiled

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THE CAPE DUIKER

and glided away amongst the boulders. The
buck was so badly crippled that I was obliged to
kill it.

A friend kept a number of Duikers in a large
enclosure, and they bred quite freely. The males,
however, on the approach of the mating season
fought fiercely, and attacked the children when they
approached the wire mesh of the enclosure.

When captured young, the Duiker can easily
be reared on milk, which it will readily take from a
sucking-bottle. They grow up as tame as any
domestic dog, and are overflowing with frolic and
fun. On reaching adult life they are apt to wander
off in search of a mate. At first their excursions
are short and their return is regular, but after a time
the " call of the veld " is too great for them, and
they cease to return. Missing my tame half-grown
Duiker one day, I made diligent search for her amidst
some adjacent scrub. My terrier dogs presently
gave tongue, and on approaching to ascertain the
cause found a python at bay. It presently began to
heave and ejected a sausage-shaped mass which,
on inspection, proved to be my Duiker.

The Duiker is a solitary antelope, except at the
breeding time, when a pair may be seen in company.
Several may occasionally be observed browsing
together in some favourite locality, but each betakes
itself afterwards to its solitary lair. The Duiker
breeds all the year round, but most freely during
the early spring and summer months. The lambs

VOL. Ill 33 3

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

when very young can easily be run down by average
dogs, and even terriers can overtake them. The
mother will often stand at bay and endeavour
to protect her lamb when it is attacked by
dogs.

One lamb is usually born at a time, but occasionally
twins are seen. The period of gestation is about
four months.

This antelope drinks freely when water is obtain-
able, but can live without inconvenience when
entirely deprived of water. In the wild condition,
for instance, it inhabits districts in the Kalahari
where water is unobtainable.

The female is, as a general rule, hornless ; but it
is by no means rare to find horned females.

The Cape Duiker is about 26 inches in height at
the shoulder, and shghtly higher at the croup. Its
weight is about 30 lbs.

In colour it \s yellowish-grey or speckled yellow-
brown, which varies considerably in shade in the
different individuals. There are no dark markings
on the body except a dark-brown streak on the nose,
which often extends from the nostrils to the base of
the horns. The top of the head and forehead is
rufous, and the abdomen white.

The flesh is poor in quality, and requires to be
" hung " until stale.

THE RED DUIKER

(Ccphalophus natalcnsis)

Mkumbi of Zulus ; Msumbi of Swazis and Matonga ; Isikupu of
Basutos ; Chisimbi of the lower Zambesi natives.

The Red Duiker, otherwise known as the Rooi-
Boschbokje (Little Red Bushbuck), inhabits the
dense bush, thickly-wooded kloofs and tree-fringed
banks of rivers from Pondoland, coastwards through
Natal, Swaziland, Eastern Transvaal, Rhodesia, and
the forest and scrub-covered country of the East
Coast as far as Zanzibar. The Red Duiker is found
in greatest abundance in the dense forest belts
which fringe the eastern coast. In Natal I have
never met with it in the inland districts.

It is solitary by habit, but a pair may be seen now
and then together. I have on many occasions
surprised several browsing in company in the forest
glades during the early evening. Occasionally these
Duikers venture forth and nibble the young crops
in cultivated fields in close proximity to their bushy
homes. They do not venture abroad by day except
just after sunrise and before sunset. During rainy
weather, or when the sky is very overcast, they
sometimes are seen on the move. Their food
consists of tender shoots, leaves, wild berries and
fruits.

This Duiker is never found in dry districts where
there is no permanent supply of water. It rests

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

during the day in a cosy lair in the midst of a mass
of dense, tangled, or creeper-covered scrub, and
when startled, makes rapid rushes through the
bush, meanwhile emitting a peculiar snifHing sound.
Its cry, which is not often uttered, is a sharp
whistle, but when caught by dogs or wounded
and overtaken, its cry of terror is deep and rough,
quite unlike the shrill, terrified scream of the Cape
Duiker.

The Red Duiker produces one lamb at a birth,
which is lighter in colour than the adult ; on rare
occasions twins are born.

The young are born principally during the early
summer, viz. October and November.

The chief enemy of this Duiker is the Python Snake,
which levies a heavy toll upon it. The Python lies
in ambush for it along a branch overhanging one
of its beaten tracks through the forest, or hidden
in the scrub on the ground. This crafty snake
often submerges itself in the water at one of the
favourite drinking places of this handsome little
antelope, its nostrils alone being above water. When
the unsuspecting buck is drinking, the snake seizes
its nose or one of its fore-legs with its jaws, which
are armed with sharp re-curved teeth, and with
lightning rapidity its coils are around its victim.
The Leopard, Serval and Ratel also prey upon this
antelope. Eagles occasionally succeed in pouncing
upon them in the early mornings.

The Red Duiker thrives in captivity, and is exceed-

THE RED DUIKER

ingly hardy and tenacious of life. Its flesh is very
palatable when properly prepared.

The Red Duiker is smaller than the Cape Duiker,
the ram being only li feet at most in height
at the shoulder, and the ewe 19 inches. It
can be distinguished from all other South African
antelopes by its foxy-red or rufous colour, which is
richest on the back. It stands an inch higher at
the croup than at the shoulder. Weight of an
average adult ram 26 to 28 lbs. ; ewe 28 to 31 lbs.
Both sexes are horned.

There are several local races of Red Duikers which
differ slightly from the type in colour and markings.
There are two of these local races in South Africa,
viz. Cephalophus natale7isis amcsnus, and Cephalophus
natalensis rohertsi.

The latter is an inhabitant of Portuguese East
Africa. Having been discovered south of the
Zambesi, it is included in the South African fauna.

It was described as a distinct species by the Hon.
Walter Rothschild in the P.Z.S., 1906, p. 691, as
follows :

" This is nearest to C. harveyi, C. castaneus, C.
callipygus, and C natalensis, but differs from them
all by being quite uniform in colour, the orange-
chestnut being much paler, yellower, and brighter.
Colour of body, legs and head orange-chestnut
or pale Chinese orange. Occiput, outside of
ears, and a large patch above the nostrils ash
or mouse-grey. Chest and inner side of fore-legs

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

above knees more whitish. Crest between horns
and on forehead dark rufous and very long and
thick. Horns long, basal third ringed and rugose ;
much slenderer than in the four allied forms."

Length of horns 80 mm.

Habitat. Portuguese East Africa (Roberts' Collec-
tion).

In 1907, Dr. Trouessart described his Cephalophus
natalensis vassei from Portuguese East Africa. Mr.
Wroughton, however, in 191 1, showed that vassei
and robertsi were identical, and that the animal
described by Rothschild and Trouessart was only a
sub-species of C. natalensis.

THE BLUE DUIKER

{Cephalophus mofiticola)

Ipiti of the Zulu tribes ; Iputi of Amaxosa ; Noumetje or
Gnometie of the Hottentots.

The Blue Duiker is known to the Natal colonists
by the Zulu name of Ipiti, which is pronounced Pete,
and to the Dutch colonists as the Blaauwbok or
Kleenebok.

The Blue Duiker inhabits the bush-covered
portions of the country from about the district
of George in the Cape Province, eastwards to Zulu-
land. Local races or closely allied forms extend
through the forest regions of the greater part of
equatorial Africa.

A pair of Blue Duikers with fawn.

This little Diiiker or " Ipiti "' is an inhabitant of the dense scrubby

woodlands.

Cape Duiker ewe half-skeletonised.

From a s(>i\iiiicn in the Poit Elizaheth Mttscniii.

THE BLUE DUIKER

The Blue Duiker is the smallest of the South
African antelopes, being about the same size and
weight as a large hare. The average height of an
adult at the shoulder is 13 inches. The ewe is
slightly larger than the ram.

This pygmy buck inhabits the thick bush-lands
and dense scrub, where it has regular beaten tracks
along which it runs with great swiftness.

Although this little Duiker is commonest in the
forest belts along the coast, it is, nevertheless, abun-
dant in the more inland districts. I have met with
it in all the bush-covered parts of Natal. It does
not keep exclusively to the dense scrub and forests ;
it sometimes wanders into long grass interspersed
with isolated patches of scrub.

When not periodically burned, the rank grass
mats itself together, and beneath this cover the
Blue Duikers have innumerable tracks from which
they can be dislodged with fox-terrier dogs.

These Duikers will not break cover unless absolutely
compelled as a last resource, and when they do they
race with great speed for the nearest patch of scrub
or long grass. When hunted and hard pressed in
isolated patches of bush, they crouch low upon the
ground and lie very close.

In Natal they are usually driven out of their
bushy cover by native beaters with dogs. So rapid
in their movements and so secretive are they that,
although the beaters may be armed with assegais
and kcrries, and only a few yards apart, these nimble

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

little creatures usually succeed in doubling back and
darting through the line of enemies unscathed.
They are very tenacious of life, and keep on running
after receiving frightful injuries.

The natives of Natal and Zululand, with a number
of mongrel dogs, hunt these little animals in and
out of season, but, in spite of constant persecution
by man, and its natural enemies the Python, Jackal
and Wild Cat tribe, it continues to hold its own.

In the dense belts of bush along the coast on the
eastern side of the Cape Province this Duiker is
quite common. It is regularly hunted in the vicinity
of Port Elizabeth with but little success, owing to the
dcnseness and extent of the scrub which it inhabits.

In the Port EHzabeth Museum an albino was
obtained locally, and also another which has the
lower portions of both of its back legs white.

The Blue Duiker rests at night and is active during
the daytime. Its food consists of leaves, shoots,
berries and wild fruits. I have observed it nibbling
tender spring grass. It does not venture into cul-
tivated lands, which would expose it to the attacks
of eagles, dogs and men. It confines its wander-
ings from cover to the secluded forest glades, and
the fringes of its bushy home. When travelling
along roads through forest lands, a Blue Duiker
may occasionally be observed flitting across from
one side to the other, but so rapid are its move-
ments that the observer is only conscious of a
moving, bluish-brown, indistinct streak.

THE BLUE DUIKER

Slip-knot snares placed in their runs are often
employed by natives to strangle these antelopes.

The Blue Duiker drinks usually once a day in the
evening, but often more frequently during exces-
sively hot vi^eather.

One fawn is produced at a birth.

These antelopes usually associate in pairs, but
several may at times be observed feeding together
on the fringe of the forest, or in the glades.

The young are stated to be born during the months
of September and October. There is, however,
no definite period of the year during which the
young are born in all parts of their habitat. In
Natal I have captured week-old fawns ; and on
dissection of adult females have found embryos
during the winter months, and in the spring and
summer. In the eastern portion of the Cape
Province the Blue Duikers breed more freely in
winter than in summer. In the up-country dis-
tricts they breed, principally, during the spring
and summer seasons.

The Blue Duiker is wonderfully alert, and possesses
the senses of sight, hearing and scent in a high degree
of perfection. These, with its diminutive size
and inconspicuous colour, enable it to hold its own
against its many enemies. Here we have an excellent
example of the results of the incessant struggle for
the survival of the fittest which is going on with all
forms of life, from the lowest form of vegetable, to
and including our species.

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

As the result of this struggle, the Blue Duiker
has evolved senses and mental faculties which
otherwise would never have developed. Moreover,
finding their prey becoming increasingly hard to
secure, the enemies of the Blue Duiker are obliged
to exert their various faculties and senses to the
uttermost or die of starvation. I am inclined to
believe there exists some sort of compact between
the Bushbuck {Tragelaphus scriptus) and the little
Blue Duiker. I have often noticed the latter antelope
emerge from the fringe of a thicket during the early
morning or at sundown, and after a few minutes
a Bushbuck ram would appear and begin browsing
without the usual preliminary interval of listening
and scrutiny of the neighbourhood. It would seem
the Blue Duiker, in these instances, deliberately
precedes the Bushbuck, and that the latter follows,
confident in the superior senses of his little friend,
which he probably protects against the attacks of
many of its foes such as the Caracal, Serval, Honey
Ratel and Jackal.

The Blue Duiker lives and thrives in captivity,
and will breed freely enough if kept in a large
enclosure in which there is a patch or two of scrub.
It is, however, not so easily tamed as the Cape Duiker,
owing to its excessively timid nature.

Their cry of alarm is a sharp, whistling snort.

The general colour of this pygmy antelope is
dark greyish-brown with a tinge of blue, which varies
in intensity in different individuals according to

THE BLUE DUIKER

age, sex and environment. The under parts of the
body, as well as the inside of the legs, are white ;
the face and forehead are dark brown, bordered by a
rufus-brown Hnc on either side ; the legs are rufous-
brown.

Both sexes are horned. The horns are barely
visible above the long tuft of hair which separates
them.

Their flesh is considered very palatable.

Another species of pygmy Duiker belonging to
the same group as the little Blue Duiker inhabits
Mozambique ; and having been found south of the
Zambesi it is included in the South African fauna.
It has rufous-coloured legs, as is the case with its
southern cousin, but differs in some other respects.
It is mentioned by Dr. Matschie in 5.^. Ges.
Tiat. Fr., 1897, p. 158.

THE KLIPSPRINGER

{Oreotragus or eo tragus)
Syn. : Oreotragus saltator

Kainsi of Hottentots ; Ikoko of Amaxosa ; 'Ligoka of Swazi ;
Ikumi of Basuto ; Ee-go-go of Matabele ; Ingululu of Maka-
lakas ; Kululu of Masaras ; Alakud of Somalis ; Sassa of
Abyssinia.

The Klipspringer or Klip-bok inhabits the rocky
tops of the mountain ranges, hills, boulder-
strewn broken ground, and isolated bush-covered
kops from the coastal districts of the Cape Province
throughout South Africa to the Zambesi, and north
as far as Somaliland and Abyssinia.

In the absence of rocky hills, the KHpspringer
takes to the rock-strewn dry river-beds, which are
so common in what is known as the " low country."

When disturbed in these retreats they make off up
or down the river-bed, springing from boulder to
boulder so rapidly that they are quickly lost to view.

The Klipspringer, which is a South African
Dutch term meaning Rock Jumper, is regarded as
the Chamois of Africa.

These unique little antelopes are marvellously
sure-footed, nimble and enduring. They associate
in pairs, and in small troops of three to eight, and

THE KLIPSPRINGER

feed upon the scanty herbage which struggles for
existence in their rocky retreats. When this is
insufficient for their needs, they descend during
the evening to the foot of their rocky fastnesses to
feed upon the vegetation on the slopes and to slake
their thirst.

Klipspringers often inhabit rocky hills and kops
many miles from water, and in these situations the
dew-laden herbage serves them as both food and
drink. When showers fall, water usually collects
in hollows and crannies in the rocks, and these supply
the Klipspringer for a time with water. Sometimes
in these waterless districts a prolonged drought
occurs which shrivels up the vegetation to such an
extent that it lacks a sufficiency of water to supply
the bodily needs of this hardy little antelope, and
it is, in consequence, forced to abandon its rocky
castle and brave the dangers of a migration to a
more favoured locality. In this way Klipspringers
often appear in a locality where they have not been
known to exist for years.

In localities where the Klipspringers are not
persecuted, they may be seen at almost any time of
the day feeding, frolicking, or resting beneath or
on the sides of their rocky home.

When surprised at the foot of their rocky fast-
nesses they, with elevated head, bound oif with the
most astounding daring and agility, leaping like
animated rubber balls from boulder to boulder, and
from one pinnacle of rock to another. Poising with

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

all four hoofs on a point of rock an inch or two
square, this wonderful little animal launches itself
into space to a similar point of rock. Balancing for
an instant on a projection of rock on the very edge
of a vast krantz, the nimble little creature bounds
off from ledge to ledge and point to point in a
manner impossible to describe. That an animal
with hard cloven hoofs is able to traverse these
precipitous hills, abounding in chasms into which
the slightest slip of a foot would launch them, is
almost beyond belief. In agility and surefooted-
ness amongst the rocky fastnesses which are their
home, they equal the famous Chamois of Switzerland.

The hoofs of the Klipspringer are nearly rect-
angular in shape, with a narrow sole, and are on a
line with the legs, making them excellently adapted
for balancing the body on points of rock.

The hair of the Klipspringer is very thick and
spine-like, and altogether unlike that of any other
African antelope ; and owing to its elasticity is
eminently adapted to act as a buffer should the
animal collide with a rock or accidentally fall, which
it, at times, is sure to do, notwithstanding its expert-
ness and agility in jumping and balancing.

This hair is in great request for stuffing saddle
pannels. The bristle-like hair is so loosely attached
to the skin of the Klipspringer that if a dead speci-
men is carelessly skinned it will come out in handfuls.
To preserve the hair in all its beauty the carcase
must be carefully skinned when quite fresh, and the

THE KLIPSPRINGER

skin thoroughly salted if subsequently required for
mounting. If needed for the preparation of a
" flat " skin, then it should either be soaked in a
strong solution of alum for a few hours, or powdered
burnt alum rubbed into the fleshy side of the skin.

It is hopeless endeavouring to chase Klipspringers
in this natural, rocky environment, but on level
ground they can easily be overtaken by dogs. In
captivity they become tame and docile, but do
not live long unless they are kept in an enclosure
containing a rocky hillock on which they can jump
and frolic. The unnatural way in which wild
animals are confined in many Zoological Gardens
is positively barbarous. I have seen the dauntless
little KHpspringer intended by Nature for a wild,
free life in some rocky fastness, confined in a small,
flat enclosure with no chance of working off its
superabundant energy and vitality.

Klipspringers are still fairly common in the
district of Uitenhage and neighbouring districts,
and are carefully preserved by several progressive
citizens of Port Elizabeth who have country estates.
They are also abundant on Government lands.

This antelope can easily be shot with a modern
rifle, as it presents an easy mark for a bullet when
posed immovable upon a pinnacle of rock with all
four feet gathered together.

The call or cry is a thin whistle, somewhat like
that given out by a child's flute.

Their principal enemies are the Leopard, Cerval

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

and Python. Eagles swoop down and cany off the
fawns when chance offers.

Klipspringers, during the heat of the day, seek the
shade afforded by rock crevices, or the cool shade
of some deep kloof, or the bush which invariably
grows at the foot of their rocky, elevated homes.
When disturbed in these situations they instantly
spring off and away up the hillside.

Their strength, vitality and energy is astonishing,
for, without any apparent effort, a Klipspringer will
bound up the face of a hill covered with smooth,
slippery rocks, and so steep that no animal other
than a Baboon could possibly find a foothold. The
latter animal has hands and feet specially adapted
for gripping the smallest projection of rock, but the
Klipspringer has no such aids, which makes its
performances amongst the crags and krantzes so
marvellous. Kirby witnessed a Klipspringer leap
from the edge of a krantz to a jutting ledge below,
a distance of about 30 feet, at a single leap, and,
steadying itself for a moment, it ran at a rapid pace
obliquely down a precipice.

The Klipspringers which inhabit Van Staadens
heights near Port Elizabeth breed from July to
October. They Inhabit the most elevated and
rugged cliffs in the neighbourhood, and come out
of their resting-places during the late afternoon and
early evening and descend to drink and feed in the
valleys. The instant a man or dog appears they
bound away and up to their elevated retreats.

THE CAPE ORIBI

Selous mentions having seen a fawn during the
month of August which appeared to be about a
month old at the time.

The Khpspringer is a thick-set little antelope
averaging 22 inches in height at the shoulder. The
body is covered with bristle-like hair, and each hair
is hollow and flattened in section. It lies thick and
compactly on the body, but is nevertheless light and
cool owing to its nature. The hair is pale grey
at the base, brown in the middle and yellow at the
tip, imparting a speckled yellow and brown effect.

The females are hornless.

THE CAPE ORIBI

{Ourebia ourcbi)

Ourebi, Ourebikje and Bleekbok of the Colonists ; lula of Zulus,
Swazis, Amaxosa and Matonga ; Pulukudukamani of Basuto.

The Cape Oribi inhabits the eastern side of South
Africa from the south-eastern portions of the Cape
Province through Basutoland, Natal, Zululand,
Orange Free State, Eastern Transvaal and the low
country of Rhodesia, and west to Bechuanaland, and
east to Portuguese East Africa. North of the Zambesi
its range extends to British Central Africa, where it
is replaced by Peters' Oribi {Ourebia hastatd).

The Oribi inhabits the open, treeless, grassy veld,
bush-veld, low foot-hills, and even the flat tops of
mountain ranges.

VOL. Ill 49 4

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

They associate in pairs or in small parties of four
or five, which, on being disturbed, make off either
in pairs, or a pair and the last fawn.

When pursued the Cape Oribi races away at a
very rapid pace for thirty or forty yards, and then
begins a series of springs into the air, alighting each
time on the hind-feet first. This manoeuvre is for
the purpose of getting a general view of the sur-
roundings, and the nature and exact locality of the
foe. If the Oribi sees any one at a distance approach-
ing, it will usually lie down, trusting to its resem-
blance to its surroundings to escape observation.
Advantage is taken by the hunter of this habit,
and by manoeuvring around them and gradually
diminishing the distance, he is able to approach
within easy rifle range. At other times they are
hunted on horseback, and the moment one starts
from cover the hunter quickly dismounts and fires.
Should one of these antelopes be wounded, it will
make off for some distance, and then quietly lie down
and hide. The flesh of the Oribi is considered very
good venison, but, like the meat of many other
antelopes, it is deficient in fatty tissue, and requires
special treatment in the cooking process.

The Oribi is a grass feeder, and is seldom found
far from water. The call is a thin, shrill whistle.

The fawns are usually born about Christmas-
time, although breeding also occurs in October and
November.

The skin of the Oribi is covered with thick, soft
50

THE STEENBOK

hair, and is in great request by native Chiefs as an
article of dress. In former times a cow could be
obtained as the price of a single skin.

The Oribi is a most graceful antelope, and is so
active and swift, and doubles and springs so alertly,
that it takes a good dog to run one down.

The Oribi is seen abroad during the mornings and
afternoons, and at any time on cool days ; but when
the weather is hot, it retires to a shady spot to rest.

The average height of an adult Oribi is 26 inches
at the shoulder : the colour is tawny-yellow on the
back and sides, and white on the under parts ; fur
is inclined to be curly, and is soft and close ; tail
short and black for the terminal two-thirds of its
length ; a tuft of hair grows below each front knee.

The female is hornless.

The Cape Oribi is the only species which inhabits
South Africa, but several species occur in Africa
north of the Zambesi.

THE STEENBOK

{Raphiccros campcstris)

Iquini of Zulus ; Ingaine of Swazis ; Impulupudi of Basutos ;
Itshabanbanqa of Amaxosa ; Phuduhuru of Bechuanas ;
Umqwena of Matabele ; Ee-pen-nee of Makalakas ; Shipeni
of Shangaans ; Gaiee of Masarwa Bushmen ; Isha of Swahilis ;
Timba of Barotse.

The Steenbok, Vlaktebok or Bleekbok, as it is ako
called, is an inhabitant of the whole of South Africa,

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

from the coast of the Cape Province to the Zambesi ;
and north of our Zoological boundary to Nyasaland.
Its favourite haunts are the open plains and bush-
veld, but it is occasionally found in rather dense
bush-country, but never in rocky, mountainous
parts. Its favourite feeding grounds are the open
flats w^ith patches of bush dotted over or near it.

The Steenbok is usually solitary except during the
mating season, when they are to be seen in pairs.
As a general rule they are about during the
morning and afternoon, retiring to some shady
spot to rest from about nine in the morning till
about three in the afternoon. Their food consists
of grass, supplemented by young shoots of bushes,
and roots and tubers which they scratch up out of
the ground with their hoofs. When alarmed this
little antelope darts off at a rapid pace, throwing up
its hindquarters at each stride in a springy, elegant
way. After galloping off for about a hundred yards
or so, it usually stops to look round, and thus falls
an easy victim to the sportsman's rifle. They often
endeavour to escape observation by lying close like
a hare, and stretching their necks out along the
ground with the ears well back. Lying thus, out
on the veld, covered only with short grass, they are
difficult to observe and are often passed unnoticed.
The moment they become aware their presence is
known, they are up and off in an instant.

The Steenbok is regularly coursed with grey-
hounds or hunted with foxhounds, and having

THE STEENBOK

great endurance they usually give the dogs a good
run.

When put up amongst the scrub they are difficult
to shoot, owing to their habit of dodging from side
to side amongst the bushes.

Should water be available, the Steenbok will drink
freely, but like many other antelopes, they are quite
independent of water for long periods, as is proven
by their existence in the depths of the Kalahari.

They breed most freely during the South African
summer and autumn. One fawn is usually pro-
duced during the year, but sometimes twins are
born.

Although the Steenbok is abroad by day, and
usually in exposed situations, it is still almost as
common as the Cape Duiker in South Africa. This
is largely, however, owing to farmers strictly pre-
serving it upon their lands, and only permitting a
limited number to be shot off during the game
season.

In the district of Port Elizabeth and surrounding
districts it is common, and if protected on farms
for a few seasons it multiplies rapidly.

All the larger carnivorous animals native to the
country prey upon it, and the eagles also take a
heavy toll. I saw an Eagle (Spizcstus coronatus)
stoop at a Steenbok ewe, but the little antelope
observing it in time, sprang nimbly aside, and for
several minutes it succeeded in successfully dodging
this powerful bird of prey. However, the Eagle

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

secured it, and driving its talons deep into its victim's
back, it slew the little creature with a single stroke
on the skull with its powerful beak. It then pro-
ceeded to tear open its victims' side and feed upon
the viscera.

On sighting an Eagle, the Steenbok, when feeding
in the open veld, does not attempt to bolt for cover
unless such be close at hand. On the contrary, it
crouches under the nearest shrub or tuft of grass and
lies perfectly still, trusting to the similarity of its
colour with that of the surroundings to escape
detection.

On the estates of some friends, these little antelopes
are not molested, and in consequence they are sur-
prisingly tame and unsuspicious, allowing any one
to approach within twenty paces.

Unlike the majority of the other small African
antelopes, the Steenbok is a delicate and easily-
killed animal, and a shot from an ordinary rook-rifle
will kill them instantly if any vital part is struck.

The flesh, although dry, is tender and palatable.

The Steenbok averages 20 inches in height at the
shoulder.

In form the Steenbok is extremely graceful and
slender, with delicate-looking legs, and bright,
lustrous eyes.

The Steenbok is bright sandy-rufous or red-fawn
on the back, which colour becomes more intense
on the head ; some individuals have a more or less
brown hue ; in others the fur of the back is sparingly

THE STEENBOK

sprinkled with white hairs. The under parts are
white ; the eyebrows are also white ; a black streak
is present on the nose, and a well-defined black
crescentic spot on the crown.

There are no traces of false hoofs.

There are three local races or sub-species in South
Africa, viz. the Transvaal race {Raphiccros campcstris
capricornis) from the North-East Transvaal ; the
Nyassa race {Raphiceros campcstris ncumannt) further
north to Nyassa — this sub-species is paler in colour
than the Transvaal race ; the Natal race {Raphiccros
campcstris natalcnsis) — this sub-species or local race
from Natal also extends through the eastern part
of the Cape Province. In the Port EHzabeth
Museum we have a specimen of the latter race from
Barroe, which is on the borders of the Uitenhage and
Jansenville divisions ; and another is referred to
by Lydekker in his recent catalogue of Ungulates,
vol. ii. p. 151, as coming from Port Elizabeth.

The typical Steenbok is common in Port Elizabeth
and surrounding districts, and it would therefore
seem that this Natal local race is merely an occa-
sional variety.

I have made careful inquiries and find that our
specimen, which is an adult male, was shot in a
locality where typical Steenboks are common.

This would lead us to assume the typical Steenbok
has a tendency to vary in its markings.

The specimen from Barroe is sparingly shot with
white hairs on the back, and the black crescentic

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

mark on the crown, which is so characteristic of the
typical Steenbok, is barely discernible in the Barroe
specimen.

SHARPE'S STEENBOK

{Raphiccros sharpei)

A LOCAL race of Sharpe's Steenbok, viz. {Raphiccros
sharpei colonicus) exists in Swaziland and North-
Eastern Transvaal. The habitat of the typical
species is Northern Rhodesia and Nyassaland.

The Transvaal local race differs chiefly in being
larger and longer in the legs than those existing
north of the Zambesi.

The red back of Sharpe's Steenbok is strongly
grizzled with white hairs which gives it a strong
resemblance to a Grysbok, and it is frequently mis-
taken for it in consequence. An examination of the
legs, however, will determine the identification, for
it lacks the false or lateral hoofs which are always
present on the Grysbok.

Sharpe's Steenbok is partial to rocky localities and
open glades.

Major Stevenson-Hamilton says it is fairly common
in the northern portion of the Transvaal Game
Reserves.

The typical race of Sharpe's Steenbok exists north
of the Zambesi.

THE GRYSBOK

(Nototragus melanotis)
Syn. : Rafhicerus melanotis

Inxunxu of Amaxosa ; Inhlengana of Swazis and Matonga ; Isi-
kupi of Basutos ; Sash-lungwan of Matabele ; Timba of the
Makalakas.

The Grysbok is recorded by various authors to
inhabit Africa from the coastal districts of the Cape
Province to the Zambesi, with the exception of the
more western areas.

That it inhabits the low-lying districts near the
sea — from Cape Town eastwards through the Cape
Province — we know for certain, but there is no evi-
dence of its existence further north. It has, no doubt,
in the past been confused with Sharpc's Steenbok,
to which it bears a strong superficial resemblance,
both species being red in colour, and shot with white
hairs on the back, giving them a grizzled appearance.

The Grysbok inhabits the flat and hilly country
where there is plenty of cover in the form of scrub,
herbage or thick bush.

In the Port Elizabeth and surrounding divisions
of the Cape Province they are exceedingly abundant,
alike on the mountains, low hills, flats and valleys.
They are rarely found in situations which do not
afford a sufficiency of cover. Amongst the low veld
herbage and long grass they are common, as well as
in the forests and the Addo Bush.

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

On the southern side of Port Elizabeth, what was
formerly sand-dunes is now covered for many miles
with a dense forest of trees and tangled herbage.
This forest is teeming with Grysbok. During the
early morning and at sundown they may be seen in
dozens out on the cleared spaces known as fire-belts,
which intersect the bush.

During the daytime the Grysbok lies concealed
in whatever cover the locality affords, from which
it is often difficult to dislodge it. So closely does
it lie that a dog will often succeed in approaching
to within a few feet of its lair before it scuttles forth.
It makes off with head low, and its pace is not
great. Out in the open it can easily be run down
by a good dog.

Knowing its limitations in speed, it will not take
to the open parts unless absolutely forced, and when
frightened from its lair it at once makes for the
nearest cover. When caught it bleats like a kid.
It is found solitary as a rule, and lies in a lair in the
most secluded spot it can find. At the mating season
the sexes are often seen together.

They feed on grass supplemented by edible wild
fruits, berries, tender shoots and leaves. They
often venture into cultivated lands during the night,
and do considerable damage to young grape-vines,
fruit-trees and shooting crops.

These little bucks can exist for long periods
without water, often being found in the centre of
extensive waterless districts.

LIVINGSTONE'S SUNI

The Grysbok is deep chocolate-red or dark rufous-
brown on the back ; paler on the chest and under
parts. The fur is rather long and coarse, and is
plentifully interspersed with white hairs on the back.
A black patch is present on the crown. Small false
or supplementary hoofs are visible, and the true
hoofs are shorter and broader than those of the
Steenbok. The horns, although like those of the
Steenbok in shape, are stouter, shorter, and more
curved forwards.

A male Grysbok averages 20 inches in height at
the shoulder, and is about an inch higher at the
rump.

The white hairs on the back of the Grysbok serve
to distinguish it from the typical Steenbok of the
Cape ; but this is not a reliable guide, because Sharpe's
Steenbok of the Transvaal is also stippled profusely
on the back with white hairs. When any doubt
exists, the feet should be examined, and if small
false hoofs are found to be present, the antelope
will be a Grysbok, for none of the Steenboks have
any trace of false hoofs.

LIVINGSTONE'S SUNI

(Nesotragus livings toni anus)

Ithlengane of Zulus ; Inhlengana of Amatonga ; Inhlengan of
Inhambane ; Lumswi of the Southern Lower Zambesi natives.

Livingstone's Suni, or Livingstone's Antelope, as it
is more usually called, inhabits the whole of the

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

forest regions from St. Lucia Bay in Zululand to
the Zambesi and Nyassaland. Although found in
greatest abundance in the coastal districts, it is,
nevertheless, common at least a hundred miles
inland in places such as the Inhambane district
near Coguno, and on the lower Tembe and Maputa
Rivers near Delagoa Bay.

These graceful little antelopes inhabit the thick
forest belts, and vi^hen alarmed, retreat into the
dense undergrowth and scrub where it is usually
impossible for a man to penetrate. They are
exceptionally timid, alert and secretive, and prefer
to escape from their enemies by silently creeping
into the dense scrub, under the protection of which
they slink off like a Jackal or Wild Cat. When driven
out of the bush by beaters with dogs, they bound
off at great speed, dodging and twisting amongst
the trees, and make again for the nearest covert.

So perfectly does Livingstone's Antelope blend
with its surroundings, that it is exceedingly difficult
to detect them in their leafy home. These animals
have regular runs or tracks through the dense masses
of undergrowth. The only chance an observer has
to watch this dainty-looking little animal at its ease
in its forest home, is to secrete himself near a large
forest glade before daylight or during the late
afternoon, and lie perfectly still. Should he keep
careful watch he will probably see one or a pair of
these wonderfully graceful-looking antelopes appear
from a track and begin nibbling the herbage as it

LIVINGSTONE'S SUNI

slowly wanders about. Its actions clearly indicate
that it is, every second of time, on the alert against
its many enemies. This ever-present dread of the
many silent and cunning foes which are ever seeking
to destroy it has resulted in its various senses being
developed to an exceedingly high degree. The
rustle of a leaf, the crack of a twig, or any sound,
sight or smell of a suspicious nature, and this wary
little creature vanishes in the instant so quickly and
so silently that the observer is unable to note in
what direction it disappeared.

These antelopes are usually seen singly or in pairs.
They venture forth during the early mornings and
late afternoons to feed upon leaves, young shoots,
grass and a carrot-like root which is common on the
bush country inhabited by these animals. In fact
this pale flesh-coloured root seems to be their chief
food, for it has been noticed that the portions of
the forest where the root does not exist, are not
inhabited by Livingstone's Antelopes.

They are independent of water, and rarely
venture from their leafy retreat, which is often many
miles from water of any kind.

Although usually seen singly or in pairs, occa-
sionally as many as a dozen individuals may be
observed in forest glades feeding together.

When the weather is cloudy, wet or cool, these
little antelopes often move about in a restless way
during the daytime, feeding and lying down at
intervals.

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

I have frequently observed animals which are
usually purely nocturnal in their habits, come out
of their retreats and move about during wet and
cloudy weather.

In situations where these antelopes are not
persecuted by man, they often lie under the shade
of a bush or large tree where the atmosphere is
cooler than in the midst of dense scrub.

All hunters agree that the colour of their bodies
harmonises perfectly with the red-brown leaves
which strew the ground, and amidst which they
lie, A native pointed out the spot on which
one of these little antelopes was lying under a
bush, and although the distance was only about
sixty feet, I failed to observe its form. They
lie very closely, and spring up and make off
only when they realise they cannot hope to escape
observation by lying still. However, if alarmed
when feeding they instantly vanish into the dense
undergrowth.

They have three distinct cries, one of these is a
clear, sharp, barking note somewhat like that of a
Bushbuck, but not so strong and loud. This cry is
usually uttered when they hear or scent anything
suspicious at a distance.

When suddenly startled from cover, the cry is
usually a sharp whistling snort ; and during the
mating period the males emit a loud bubbling noise
like that of a goat ram.

The fawns are born from about the middle of

A Grysljok with five legs, captured on the veld at Port Elizabeth.

Livingstone'^ ^mn mliahiK the dense snul, and undergrowth from
Northern /ululand to the Zambesi and Nyassaland.

THE ZULULAND SUNI

November to the middle of December, and are
darker than the parents.

When alarmed this little antelope will usually
bound off for about a hundred yards and stand
to listen and watch. Should the bush be rather
thin, the observer may be able to watch its erratic
flight till it stands, by dropping on one knee, so
as to see more clearly under the branches.

Like the Grysbok they are delicate little creatures
and easily killed.

Livingstone's Antelope averages 1 6 inches in height
at the shoulder, and is rich rufous-brown or light
red-fawn on the back, paling towards pure white
on the under parts, the insides of the limbs, chest,
throat and chin.

The female is hornless.

THE ZULULAND SUNI

(Nesotragus zulucnsis)

The Zululand form of the Suni has been set apart
as a distinct species by naturalists, owing principally
to it being larger, the colouring richer, and the
fetlocks blacker than in the typical species. In the
typical form the hair is not so deep in colour, and
presents a more or less grizzled-fawn appearance.
The fetlocks only show light indications of black.

It is known to the Zulus as the Inhlengana.

This species of Suni frequents the wooded parts

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

of the low flats between the coast and the Bombo
range in north-eastern Zululand.

THE DAMARALAND DIK-DIK

(Madaqua damare7isis)

The Damaraland Dik-dik inhabits the rocky barren
hills and the partially bushed country on the west
side of Africa near the coast from Omaruru, which is
about forty miles north of Walfisch Bay, to the
southern portion of Angola.

Although there are about a dozen species of Dik-
diks inhabiting Africa, the Damaraland Dik-dik is
the only species found in South Africa.

Dik-diks are very small antelopes of about the
size of a hare, and are of delicate and slender build.
They are all remarkable for their curious, prehensile
or trunk-like noses.

The Damaraland Dik-dik is slightly larger than
the other species of Dik-diks. It averages 14 to
1 5 inches in height at the shoulder, and is rufous-fawn
or speckled dark grey on the back ; the speckled
appearance being due to the hairs being pale for
the greater part of their length, with black sub-
terminal and pale tawny bands at the tips. The
hairs covering the shoulders, sides, neck, face and
flanks are minus the black bands, and are not
speckled in consequence, but present a pale rufous
appearance.

THE DAMARALAND DIK-DIK

The under parts and the insides of the legs are
pure white ; the chin and a ring round the eye
white ; a long tuft of straight hairs on the crown
partly conceals the horns ; tail very short.

The female is hornless.

VOL. HI 65

THE WATERBUCK

{Cobus ellipsiprymnus)

Ipeva of Zulus and Swazis ; Ipiklwa of Basutos ; Tumogha of
Bechuanas ; Situmogha of Matabele ; Eetumuha of Maka-
lakas ; Eekulo of Masubias ; Chuzu of the Chilala and Chi-
zenga countries ; M'dongoma or Matutwi in the Barotse
country ; Kuru of the Swahili ; Mashigi-gig of Makobas and
Botletli ; Balango of Somali.

The Waterbuck or Kring-gat of the Dutch Voor-
trekkers inhabits the open forest country of Zulu-
land, the eastern Transvaal, Rhodesia and South-
West Africa. In fact, in all wooded and well-
watered tracts, from Zululand on the east to South-
West Africa, and up to the northern Zoological
boundary of South Africa, the Waterbuck may be
found. From the Zambesi it ranges northwards
up the eastern side of Africa to Somaliland.

In the eastern Transvaal and the game preserves
of Zululand, the Waterbuck is the most numerous
of all the larger antelopes.

This noble antelope, as its name implies, favours
localities where rivers, marshes and ponds abound.
Their favourite resorts are the rough, broken, bushy
country and the sides of steep, shady hills near rivers
or marshes, to which they retreat when disturbed.

They associate in herds of from half-a-dozen to

THE WATERBUCK

about three dozen individuals, usually consisting of
a fully adult bull and a number of females and
immature animals of both sexes. Small troops of
young males consisting of four to half-a-dozen
individuals may often be seen together, and occa-
sionally a solitary old bull is observed. Sometimes
two herds may be seen feeding together on the
succulent vegetation along the banks of streams.

Major J. Stevenson-Hamilton says that along the
Ngwanitzi River in the Transvaal Game Reserve
these antelopes are so numerous that troops of them
are hardly ever out of sight of the traveller.

Notw^ithstanding its rather heavy build and com-
paratively short legs, the Waterbuck is exceedingly
active on broken ground, and climbs the steep and
rough hillsides with ease and considerable speed.

When pursued the Waterbuck often, but by
no means always, makes for the nearest river or
marsh into which it readily plunges, for it is a
most excellent swimmer. When it takes to the
reedy marshes, it leaps through the shallow water in
great bounds and is soon lost to sight.

When wounded and very hard pressed this antelope
often enters thewater, and, immersing its body,stands
at bay with head and neck raised above the surface
to give battle to any dogs which might be bold
enough to attack it. Standing thus, it can deliver
the most formidable and effective strokes with its
horns, and often succeeds in keeping an entire pack
of dogs at bay.

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

Even on land a wounded Waterbuck should be
approached cautiously, for it is apt to charge fiercely
and kill or wound its aggressors.

Sometimes when wounded the Waterbuck plunges
into the dense thickets of reeds which are so common
in the vicinity of African Rivers, and stands immov-
able, hoping thus to elude its pursuers.

The larger carnivorous animals such as the
Leopard, Chita and Cape Hunting Dog prey upon
the females, calves and immature males, but seldom
venture to attack an adult bull Waterbuck.

The Lion is the natural enemy of these powerful
horned bulls, which, in spite of their great strength,
are no match for this formidable cat.

When females or calves are attacked by a Leopard,
Chita, or Wild Dog, the bull Waterbuck will often
come to the rescue and drive them off.

The calves are born during the summer season,
viz. from October to February.

The Waterbuck is a grass feeder.

The flesh is coarse in grain and is condemned by
hunters and others as being dry, tasteless and most
unpalatable. On the contrary. Major Stevenson-
Hamilton declares in his Animal Life in Africa that
when the flesh is hung for the correct period and
properly cooked it is as good as the venison of most
other antelopes. He points out that when cooked
fresh by native " cooks," as is usually the case, it is
naturally spoiled, and is most uninviting owing to the
nature of the meat, which requires special treatment.

THE WATERBUCK

The skin of the Waterbuck is tough and resists
the action of water and damp, and is, in conse-
quence, sought after by the Dutch colonists for the
purpose of making veldschoons, which are a rough
sort of shoe of home-tanned leather.

The Waterbuck bull is a noble-looking antelope,
and presents a truly splendid sight when he stands
listening or gazing around with his fine head and
horns held erect after the manner of a Red Deer
Stag.

The cow, which lacks horns, and is less robust in
build, is a contrast to the showy and defiant-looking
bull.

The cows, however, are keenly observant, sus-
picious and watchful, and their sight and hearing
are remarkably good. In these respects they are
far superior to the bull, who, evidently recognising
their fitness, allows them to act as sentinels to the
herd.

The Waterbuck, like most of the other African
Antelopes, are very tenacious of life, and will at
times travel considerable distances after being
severely or even mortally wounded.

This antelope gives off a peculiar scent or odour
which is very penetrating, but not disagreeable.

The Waterbuck is brown with a tinge of sepia,
becoming paler on the sides and under parts. The
face and lower parts of the limbs are dark sepia-
brown. The hair is coarse and somewhat grizzled
in appearance owing to each hair being light in

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

colour at the base and darker at the tips. A pure
white line or band encircles the rump ; and a narrow
band of the same colour encircles the throat.

The female is smaller than the male, and the
white lines and patches are not so distinct. The
hair is more shaggy and slightly longer, especially
around the neck.

In some herds the brown and sandy-grey line is
darker thafi usual. The shade of colour seems
to be dependent upon the environment of the
animals.

The young calves are reddish in colour. The
period of gestation of the female is about eight
months.

An adult bull Waterbuck averages 4 feet at the
shoulder, and weighs about 360 lbs. clean.

The female is hornless.

THE LECHWE KOB

(Cobus lee hi)

Lechi, or Li-gwi of the Makololo and Northern Bechuanas ;
Inya of the Masubias ; Unya of the Makubas.

The Lechwe Kob inhabits the northern parts of
South Africa from Lake Ngami northwards along
the upper Zambesi and its many tributaries ; and
through north-east Rhodesia to the neighbourhood
of Lake Mweru.

The Lechwe is a more water-loving animal than

THE LECHWE KOB

its cousin the Waterbuck ; and next to the Sitatunga
is considered to be the most aquatic of all antelopes
in its habits, being, in fact, a true swamp dweller.

Great stretches of country bordering many of the
rivers is submerged by water owing to the annual
overflow of the rivers. In these vast swamps great
forests of reeds and papyri grow, which afford food
and shelter for the Lechwc.

They associate in large troops of ewes and several
herd, rams, and at other times troops of adult
and immature males without a single ewe are
observed.

The Lechwe spends most of its time wading knee-
deep in water through the shallow lagoons or water-
covered, flats, grazing on the tops of the grass and
young reeds which grow up out of the shallow
water.

When at rest the Lechwe lies either at the water's
edge or in very shallow water.

When alarmed they make off into the reeds and
papyri to the deeper water in the heart of the swamp,
progressing with great leaps or bounds. Even
when the water nearly covers their bodies they
continue to spring and bound with much splashing.
On reaching deep water they swim with great
facility, but can be overtaken by a native paddling
in a canoe. The natives, aware of this fact, sur-
round and drive them into the deep water, when
they are overtaken and speared.

The natives prize the skin highly, converting it

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

into karosses which are as soft and pHable as chamois
leather.

The Lechwe is very tenacious of life. The males
are not aggressive when mortally wounded and
brought to bay, as is the case with the Waterbuck.
Even when shot right through the heart they will
often travel a considerable distance.

When they start to run they thrust their noses
straight out, and the males lay their horns flat along
the back. They trot at first, and afterwards break
into a clumsy gallop until they reach knee-deep
water, through which they splash and bound.

The young are born during the months of October
and November.

The flesh is much superior to that of the Water-
buck, and when properly hung and correctly cooked
it makes a palatable dish, although the fat has a
somewhat clogging tendency, and clings to the teeth
and palate.

The Lechwe was first discovered on the banks of
the Zonga and Botletli Rivers by Livingstone and
his companions Oswell and Murray, who travelled
with him in 1849 when he made his first journey
to Lake Ngami.

This antelope is the handsomest of the Cobus
group or genus inhabiting the southerly part of
Africa . It is slightly smaller than the Waterbuck, and
averages 3 feet 4 inches at the withers. Although
thick-set, its body is very symmetrical. The pre-
vailing colour is a rich dark-red or chestnut, becoming

THE PUKU

white below with black markings down the fronts
of the fore and hind limbs, darkest above the knee.
The head, face and upper part of the neck are pale
yellow-brown. The tail, which reaches to above
the hocks, has a tuft of long black hairs at the end.

The female closely resembles the male, but is
smaller and has no horns. The young males have
black tips to the ears.

The horns are more curved than those of the
Waterbuck, and are ringed to within a few inches
of the tips, which are black and curve strongly
forward.

THE PUKU

{Cobus vardoni)

Impuku of the Masubias ; Muntinya of Barotse ; Seula of Chilala
and Chibisa.

The Puku formerly inhabited the upper parts of the
Zambesi valley and its tributaries, and extended
through the Barotse country as far north as Lake
Mweru on the borders of north-eastern Rhodesia
and Belgian Congo. It is, however, almost, if not
quite, extinct south of the Zambesi, where its range
was at the best of times a limited one.

The Puku Antelope associate in herds which vary
in numbers from three or four to a dozen. In
former times, when they were more plentiful and
not harassed by European hunters, as many as fifty
were often seen in a herd. Small herds of old rams

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

are sometimes seen together. These are individuals
which, through faihng strength, have been driven
off hy more virile and younger males. On the
approach of the breeding season, the males of the
various species of antelopes engage in combat,
which results in the victors becoming the favoured
suitors of the females, and the vanquished being
driven off and compelled to live celibate lives. In
this way the survival of the fittest is assured.

The habits of the Puku are more or less similar
to those of the Waterbuck.

They are usually met with along the banks of the
rivers, grazing on the succulent herbage which
thrives along the banks, and are never met with
out on the treeless, swampy plains which are such
favourite grazing grounds of the Lechwe Kob.

When a Puku is wounded it usually seeks to escape
to the bush ; but when hard pressed it will plunge
into a river and swim across in the endeavour to
elude its pursuers.

Some fifteen years or so ago the Puku became so
scarce that the horns rose from ^25 to ^^30 per
pair, but owing to the checking of the former
wholesale and indiscriminate destruction of game
animals, these fine antelopes will be saved from
extinction.

There is no inducement to sportsmen in shooting
this antelope other than securing the head as a
trophy, for the flesh is coarse and without flavour,
and is, in consequence, most unpalatable to Euro-

THE PUKU

peans. The late Mr. F. C. Selous considers the meat
of this animal inferior to that of any other species
of South African antelope.

The Puku, like the others of the same genus, is
very tenacious of life.

It was first discovered by Dr. Livingstone on the
Zambesi, in the vicinity of Libonta in Barotseland,
in the year 1853.

The young are born during midsummer, viz. in
November and December.

The Puku is orange-yellow in colour, which
becomes paler round the eyes, on the chin and
under parts of the body. The average height at the
shoulder is 3 feet, and weight about 190 lbs.

The female is hornless.

Other Species of the Waterbuck Group

There are several other species and local races
of the Waterbuck (Cobus) group of antelopes
inhabiting Africa north of the Zambesi.

The Waterbucks are divided into two groups,
viz. :

(i) True Waterbucks of large size with maned
necks and coarse grizzled hair, such, for instance,
as the common Waterbuck {Cohus ellipsiprymnus).

(2) Waterbucks of smaller size, known as Kobs,
with hair more or less rufous or orange-yellow, and
no mane to the neck such as the Lechwe Kob {Cobus
leche) and the Puku {Cobus vardoni).

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

THE REEDBUCK

(Redunca arundinum)

Mziki of the Zulus and Matabele ; Inhango of the Swazis and
Matonga ; Cipohata of the Bechuanas ; Iklabu of the Basutos ;
Eebeepa of the Makalakas ; Imvwce of the Masubias ; Bemba
of the Masarwas ; Impoyo of the Lower Zambesi natives ;
Natafwi in the Mashukulumbwi country ; Mutobo in Barotse-
land ; Sibughat in Ngamiland ; Mpoyo in the Chilala and
Chibisa countries ; N'tobi of the M'kua ; Bushmat of the
Sudanese.

The Reedbuck or Reitbok of the Dutch colonists
inhabits Africa from the eastern side of the Cape
Province up through Natal, Zululand, the Trans-
vaal bush country, along the East Coast rivers and
their tributaries, particularly those of the Limpopo
and Zambesi, and Rhodesia, both north and south
of the Zambesi River, Ngamiland, South-West
Africa to Angola on the west, and Nyassaland and
Mozambique on the east.

In the Knysna bush and dense reedy groves in the
eastern portion of the Cape Province this antelope
is still occasionally met with. In Natal it is also
uncommon, but in Zululand and the other portions
of its habitat it is plentiful.

The Reedbuck is an inhabitant of the dense masses
of reeds and long grass which grow in such profusion
in the damp valleys, and along the banks of rivers
throughout the low country. They are also found
in thin bush on well-watered mountain plateaus.
In localities where they are constantly persecuted

THE REEDBUCK

they find sanctuary in the dense forests. Ahhough
they Hve in close proximity to water as a general
rule, the Reedbuck does not take to it when pur-
sued, but at once plunges into the reedy brakes
where it is at once lost to view. Kirby, however,
states that when hard pressed it will take to water
readily, and swims with great vigour ; and to avoid
its pursuers it sometimes sinks its body in some deep
waterhole with only its nostrils above the surface
of the water.

Although partial to reed beds (as the name
implies) they often make their lairs in long grass on
high ridges and in scrub on the bush-veld. They
always select a dry place to lie down on, even when
they are in close proximity to water. When dis-
turbed the Reedbuck bounds from its lair and
proceeds at a rolling gallop, and seems to maintain
the same speed whether traversing good or broken
ground. As the buck makes off it goes with low,
easy bounds, and presents each flank in turn to the
sportsman, thus offering the chance of an easy
shot.

If disturbed at a little distance, and when the
danger does not appear imminent, the Reedbuck
usually gives vent to a clear, sharp whistle, gallops
off a distance of about 150 yards, and turns to gaze
at the intruder, thus affording an easy mark for the
hunter. If not shot at, it whistles again, makes
another spurt, and repeats this action several times.

The ewes are far more timid than the rams, and

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

usually when alarmed gallop off at great speed until
out of sight.

I have always noticed in localities where they are
frequently hunted, both the ram and ewe break
away instantly at full speed, usually to the nearest
reed beds, long grass or bush.

These antelope usually associate in pairs, but small
family parties of four or five are occasionally seen,
although a dozen or more may at times congregate
to feed upon a restricted patch of sweet, sprouting
grass.

Their natural diet is grass, but they acquire a
great fondness for young mealie plants and other
garden produce.

In localities such as game preserves where they are
not molested, the Reedbucks soon become quite tame.

On the approach of the breeding season the rams
fight fiercely, the combat sometimes terminating in
the death of the weaker of the two.

The young are born during the spring and summer
months. In what is known as the low country in
South-East Africa they are produced as early as
August and September, but in the mountain plateaus,
according to Kirby, the young are born from
December to March.

The Reedbuck averages 34 to 36 inches at the
shoulder. The hairs are dark brown at the base
and yellow at the tip, giving a speckled fulvous-
brown shade of colour which is darkest on the back,
becoming paler and almost white below, and on the

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THE MOUNTAIN REEDBUCK

inside of the limbs, the sides of the face and round
the hps. Some individuals have a black patch on
the nose ; and with others it is present on the crown.
On the nose there is a rounded swelling. About an
inch below the ears there is an oval, glandular patch
which is bare and black in the adult, but covered with
fine white hairs in the young. Dark streaks run
down the fronts of the fore-limbs. These dark
stripes encircle the limbs just above the hooves ;
on the hind limbs dark stripes are present, but are
less pronounced and do not reach to the hocks.
Tail thick, bushy and white below, dark above, the
two colours in sharp contrast.

The female is a little smaller than the male and
is hornless.

The common Reedbuck of South Africa is replaced
in the more northern parts of the Continent by the
Bohor Reedbuck {Redunca bohor) which is similar
in general appearance, but smaller in size, and the
horns are shorter and more hooked at the tips.

THE MOUNTAIN REEDBUCK OR
ROOI RHEBOK

{Redunca fulvorufula)

Inhlang'amatshe (Reedbuck of the Rocks) of Swazis and Zulus ;
Inxala of Amaxosa,

The Mountain Reedbuck or Rooi Rhebok (Red
Rhebock) as it is generally known in South Africa,

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

inhabits the stony slopes of hills of the eastern part
of Cape Province up through Natal, Zululand,
Swaziland, Basutoland ; and westwards through the
Orange Free State, the Transvaal to Bechuanaland,
and northwards to the Zambesi. A local race or,
sub-species occurs in East Africa, north of the
Zambesi.

The Rooi Rhebok associates in small parties of
from four to eight or a dozen individuals. They
inhabit the rocky slopes of the hills and mountains,
mostly on the bushy sides just below the krantzes.
They are very wary and suspicious, and when either
resting or feeding, a sentinel, usually an old ram,
keeps a sharp lookout, and on the slightest suspicion
of danger sounds the alarm signal, which is a shrill,
sharp whistle, and is indistinguishable from that of
the common Reedbuck.

Their favourite haunts are on the sunny slopes
and shallow gullies amongst the dry grass and
stunted bushes. In former times they were common
amongst the foothills and lower terraces ; but since
the country has become more settled, these antelopes
have retired to the safety afforded by the higher
elevations. Sometimes solitary old rams may be
seen. These were former chieftains, which, owing
to advancing age were unable to hold their leadership
against the younger and more robust males.

The flesh of this buck, although palatable, is
inferior to that of the common Reedbuck.

When alarmed they make off at a free, easy,

The Mountain Rcedliuck iir Rooi Rhclxik-. This antelope is somewhat
larger than a slieep.

This Springluick ewe is snowy-white, with the exeeption of the rulous
side stripes. From ("arlton, Cape I'lovince.

THE MOUNTAIN REEDBUCK

rocking-horse-like gallop, like their cousins, the
Reedbucks of the vleys. When running their
stumpy bushy tails are thrown up, showing the
underlying white.

The young are born between the months of
October and December.

The Rooi Rhebok is usually seen on the move
during the early hours of the morning, and seeks a
shady spot to lie down when the suns rays grow hot.
After nightfall they descend the hills, feeding
leisurely down to water, where they remain, unless
alarmed, until shortly before dawn. It is at these
times they often fall a prey to the Leopard and Lion.
They descend from their fastnesses nightly for the
double purpose of slaking their thirst and feeding
upon the grass, which is fresher, crisper and greener
than on the stony mountain slopes.

On observing a hunter in the distance, the
mountain Reedbuck, instead of making off, slinks
silently down behind a boulder or bush, hoping to
escape observation. When disturbed they either
run obliquely downhill or round the mountain ;
seldom climbing to the top, as is the habit of the
true or Vaal Rhebok.

They are not remarkable for tenacity of life, and
in this respect differ from the majority of the
African antelopes.

The names Mountain Reedbuck and Rooi Rhebok
are both rather inapplicable. Although one of the
Reedbuck family, and like the others more or less

VOL. Ill 8i 6

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

in outward form and shape of horns, yet it is essenti-
ally an inhabitant of the dry, rocky hills, and not the
reedy plains and river banks ; and the latter name
of Rooi Rhcbok is also unfortunate, as it is not a
true Rhcbok at all. The name was given by the
Voortrekkcrs on account of it being a mountain-
frequenting antelope like the Vaal Rhebok (Pdea
caprcolus).

The Mountain Reedbuck averages 28 inches at
the shoulder.

The hair is a warm red-brown, buff on the throat
and sides of the face. The under parts and inner
sides of the limbs are white.

Adult rams often acquire an ashy-brown hue.

The female is hornless.

THE GREY OR VAAL RHEBOK

{Pclca capreolus)

Iliza of Amaxosa, Swazis and Zulus ; Pshiatla of Basutos ; Peeli
of Bechuanas.

The Grey or Vaal Rhebok inhabits the mountainous
districts of the whole of South Africa south of the
Limpopo River.

The Rhebok was so-called by the early settlers
at the Cape because of its fancied resemblance to
the Roe-buck or Roe-deer of Europe.

These antelopes associate in pairs or small family
parties of from five to six to a dozen females, im-

THE GREY OR VAAL RHEBOK

mature males, and one old ram which assumes the
leadership. Solitary old outcast rams are occasion-
ally seen.

They chiefly inhabit the flat tops and sides of the
mountain ranges and high hills. I have, however,
frequently observed them at dusk on the tops and
sides of low, grassy or rock-strewn hills, and when
disturbed they made off along these hills, and if
hard pressed they descended to the plains and
headed for the nearest range of mountains.

When feeding or at rest, a sentinel keeps guard
on an adjacent elevation in the shape of a hillock
or kopje, and gives the alarm by uttering a sharp
snort or coughing sound, whereupon the troop, led
by the old ram, retreat at a rapid pace, usually in a
direction previously decided upon. When making
off they present a rather novel sight, owing to their
habit of jerking up the hindquarters at every bound
and holding the tail erect, exposing the white
under-surface.

They feed during the early morning and evening,
chiefly on grass, and rest during the day amongst
patches of bush and boulders, or in the sheltered
gullies on the high slopes ; or on the open plateaus
amongst the loose stones, boulders or grass.

They descend to the lower lands at night to drink
and feed upon the more succulent grasses which
thrive on these lower levels, and ascend to their
mountainous retreats before sunrise.

They are often attacked by a species of Bot-fly

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

which punctures the skin of the back, and lays an
egg which subsequently hatches into a grub or larva.
This larva lies in a pocket under the skin, and feeds
upon the juices of the animal. Unsightly excres-
cences are thus raised on the victim's back. I have
seen as many as a dozen on a single animal, although
two or three is more usual. These Bot-flies seem
to be particularly active during exceptionally dry
weather.

Although not noted for speed, the Rhebok is
tough, wiry and enduring, possessing wonderful
activity anci untiring energy.

The fawns are usually born during midsummer,
viz. from about the middle of November to the end
of December. They are carefully hidden by the
mothers in the grass or scrub, or amongst the
boulders. During December should a ewe show
decided reluctance to make off on sight of an
intruder, and the spot is marked down, a very young
fawn or two will usually be found lying concealed
in a neighbouring patch of bush or grass.

To hunt the Rhebok in true sportsmanlike fashion
requires good health, untiring energy, perseverance
and keen powers of observation, if any success is to
be expected.

The flesh is dry and unpalatable, and requires to
be hung for a period and carefully cooked to make it
eatable, except to a hungry hunter.

The thick woolly nature of the fur, the long, thin
neck and straight, upright horns, and the absence

THE GREY OR VAAL RHEBOK

of bare patches below the ears, serve at once to dis-
tinguish this antelope from the other members of
the sub-family, viz. the Reedbucks.

The Vaal Rhebok averages 28 to 30 inches in
height at the shoulder.

The prevailing colour of the fur is grey with a
tendency to fawn on the head and limbs, and in
shape it is slight and graceful. The tail is short,
broad and bushy.

The ewes are usually a couple of inches lower at
the shoulder than adult rams, and are hornless.

THE IMPALA OR PALLA

{Aepyceros melampus)

Rooi-bok of the Boers ; Impala of Zulus, Swazis and Matabele ;
Pala or Pallah of Basutos and Bechuanas ; Impaya of Shan-
gaans ; Eepala of Makalakas ; Kug-ar of Masarwa Bushmen ;
Inzero of Masubias ; Nswala of Lower Zambesi natives ;
Pala of Waganda ; Luondo and Mpala in Barotseland, Ngami-
land, Chilala and Chibisa.

This graceful antelope, which is known to the
South African Dutch colonists as the Rooibok,
formerly inhabited South Africa as far south as
Kuruman in Bechuanaland, but is now extinct in
that locality. At the present time it is found along
the Limpopo River and its affluents ; and in Zulu-
land, the Eastern Transvaal, Portuguese East Africa
and Rhodesia. Beyond the Zambesi it extends up
the east side of Africa to Lower Kordofan.

Impala are gregarious, associating in troops or
small family parties of five or six, to large herds of
a couple of hundred individuals. All gregarious
animals, however, when persecuted by man, break
up into small parties and troops and scatter over
the country.

The ewes always largely predominate in a herd ;
and often an entire herd is composed of females and
a few immature males. At other times a few adult

THE IMPALA OR PALLA

rams are seen amongst them. The young males,
as a rule, associate in small parties by themselves.

During the winter months those of both sexes herd
together in a promiscuous manner, but, on the
approach of the mating season fierce combats are
waged, resulting in the stronger and more virile
males securing a harem of from half-a-dozen to
twenty or more wives. At these times herds con-
sisting of one adult ram and a dozen to two dozen
ewes, small herds of immature males, or adult
males who have failed to secure mates, may be seen
scattered through the bush-veld.

The Impala inhabits those portions of the low
country covered chiefly with dense thorn-bush.
Their favourite haunts in the winter months are the
forest-clad banks of streams where all their require-
ments are at hand, viz. shelter, food and water.

When surprised in the open, they always head
direct for the bush. During the dry season they
drink as often as three times daily ; but when the
rainy season sets in, and the herbage becomes green,
succulent and laden with moisture, both from the
rain and the heavy night dews, they wander away
from the rivers and forest pools. At the end of the
rainy season the food supply becomes more or less
restricted to the neighbourhood of streams, and the
Impala once again converge to these localities, where
they dwell for about five months.

The Impala graze largely on grass, especially
when it is young and tender after the first spring

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

rains ; but their chief diet consists of the pods and
leaves of different species of acacia trees, and the
shoots, leaves and fruits of various other trees and
plants are eaten.

During the summer season the rams are fat and
sleek, but the ewes are lean, owing to the drain on
their systems in suckling their lambs. In the winter
season, however, the ewes grow fat, and the rams
usually get into poor condition.

During the mating season, which in South-East
Africa is from the middle of April to the middle of
May, the rams are very noisy, making the bush
resound day and night with a deep, guttural bark or
grunt.

A curious fact is that during this time the rams
are very watchful and alert, while the ewes are the
reverse, and at all other times the conditions are
reversed.

The lambs are born during November and
December. One is usually produced at a birth,
and twins on rare occasions. The lambs begin to
frisk and play within three hours of birth, and their
growth is very rapid. In the Transvaal Game
Reserves under the able charge of Major J. Stevenson-
Hamilton, whose contributions to a knowledge of
African animal life is so well-known, the Impala
are increasing rapidly in numbers, and there is now
no danger of this beautiful bush antelope becoming
extinct.

The Impala is known as the " Springbok of the

THE IMPALA OR PALLA

low veld " owing to Its marvellous leaping powers.
Kirby measured three successive bounds of 26, 16
and 28 feet, making 70 feet in all. An animal dealer
in Port Elizabeth exported a good many of these
antelopes to Europe. On one occasion I was in his
yard taking photographs, when an Impala ram,
frightened by the fluttering of the camera-cloth,
sprang clean over an 8-foot fence, and then leapt
upon the roof of a shed 9 feet in height. When
given a clean run, an Impala will clear a 12-foot
fence apparently without any undue effort.

These antelope are readily tamed, with the
exception of the old rams, which often become surly
and savage. These should always be kept in solitary
confinement, as they are apt to attack and gore any
others of their kind if herded together in a single
enclosure.

The Impala when alarmed makes off through the
bush at a rapid rate, bounding over the bushes,
rocks and dongas in a wonderfully graceful and
easy manner.

Their chief natural enemies are the Lion, Leopard,
Chita and Cape Hunting Dog. The Crocodile,
with which most of the large African rivers are
infested, lies in ambush ready to seize them when
they approach the water to drink. At the lambing
season the smaller carnivora prey upon the lambs.

The Impala is bright chestnut-red on the back
shading off on the sides to pale red-fawn. The
under parts and insides of the limbs are pure white

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

Head and neck are yellow with a reddish tinge ; the
cars are tipped with black and pointed ; tail with a
black stripe on the upper side, the tip and lower
part white. A black line is present round the
buttocks, and a tuft of black hair adorns each hind-
leg over the fetlocks. In this tuft of hair is a gland
which manufactures a fatty substance.

An adult male stands 3 feet at the shoulder.
The female is about 4 inches lower and is hornless.
Weight of an adult male 135 to 160 lbs.

Local Races

There are two local races or sub-species of
Impalas, viz. the Nyassa race {Acpyccros mclampus
johnstoni) which does not occur within our limits,
and the Angola race {Aepyceros melampus petersi).
The latter inhabits Angola on the western side of
Africa, and having been discovered south of the
Cunene River it is included in the list of South
African fauna.

It was made a separate species, and recognised as
such by authors in the past.

It is similar to the typical Impala of South Africa
with the exception that the front of the face,
exactly in the centre, from the nostrils to the line
of the eyes, is marked with a purplish-black streak.
This difference does not justify us in making a
new species of it. In the 1914 edition of Records
of Big Game it is distinguished as a local race
only.

THE SPRINGBUCK

{Antidorcas marsiipialis)

Springbok and Pronk-bok of the Boers ; Ibadi of Amaxosa ;
Tsipi of Bechuanas ; Itsaypi of Makalakas ; Menya of West
African natives.

The Springbuck, or Springbok, in former times
swarmed in great herds over the high, open plains
of the Cape Province, Orange Free State, Transvaal
and Bechuanaland, but is now very seldom seen
except on enclosed farms where they arc preserved.

On the Springbuck Flats in the Waterberg district
of the Transvaal large numbers of these antelopes
live and thrive under Government protection.

In the wild, free or feral state the Springbuck
still thrives in South-West Africa, Bechuanaland,
and as far north as Benguela in southern Angola
on the west, and in the east as far as the Limpopo
River.

On the advent of the Dutch Voortrekkers, the high
veld was found to be teeming with countless numbers
of Springbucks. Driven from one part of the
country by drought, and consequent scarcity of
food, they migrated in vast herds of as many as half
a million. This vast army would pour from the
dry, desert-like high veld of the north-west into the
great Karoo-veld, devouring every particle of edible
vegetation as they proceeded. So vast was the
stream that various other species of animals, including

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

sheep and goats, were caught up in the seething
countless swarm of Springbucks and irresistibly-
borne away. At these times the farmers turned
out to a man and slaughtered them in great numbers,
and cut up the flesh into long, thin strips and dried
it in the sun. This sun-dried meat is known as
biltong. In this way the farmers laid by immense
stocks of wholesome savoury meat.

The farmers were frequently obliged to turn out
and shoot these antelopes in self-defence, for, when
they swept over a farm they not only caught up
the various stock in their mass, but left the land
absolutely destitute of vegetation. Mr. W. C.
Scully, the well-known South African author, tells
many thrilling and fascinatingly interesting stories
of these great Springbok treks.

On one occasion, when he was Civil Commissioner
for Namaqualand in 1892, and special Magistrate
for the Northern Border of Cape Colony, he was
obliged to issue a hundred stand of Government
rifles to the Boers for the purpose of turning aside
a threatened invasion of migrating Springboks,
which would otherwise have swept off the crops
in the entire district.

So vast were the swarms of bucks in these trek-
bokken, as these wonderful migrations were called,
that they even swarmed through the smaller villages,
choking the streets with their living stream.

Lions, Leopards, Cape Hunting Dogs, Hyaenas,
Jackals and other carnivorous animals and birds of

THE SPRINGBUCK

prey, like an army of camp followers, kept In the
wake of these migrating herds, preying upon them
whenever they felt so inclined. So prolific was the
Springbok that, in spite of the great mortality
caused by their natural enemies, severe periodic
droughts, and the pygmy Bushmen and Hottentots,
these antelopes continued to increase in numbers
until the advent of the European colonist, who
steadily reduced them to a mere fraction of their
former strength.

The Boers divided the Springboks into two
sections : the " hou-bokken," which usually remain
on the same veld, and the " trek-bokken," which
were those that migrated. These latter were
generally smaller, and not in such good condition as
the former.

Springboks live out in the open, exposed, treeless
veld, and do not seek shelter except in exceptionally
cold weather or during the lambing season, when
they sometimes betake themselves to the bush-veld.
In the past they associated on the South African
veld with the Zebra, Wildebeest, Blesbok and
Ostrich. In his interesting book Between Sun and
Sand, Mr. Scully, in writing of the great Springbok
migrations, says :

" It is many years ago (1898) since millions of
them crossed the mountain range and made for the
sea. They dashed into the waves, drank the salt
water and died. Their bodies lay in one continuous
pile along the shore for over thirty miles, and the

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

stench drove the Trek-Boers, who were camped
near the coast, far inland." This remarkable
incident occurred in Namaqualand.

The name Springbok arose from the habit of
these bucks when startled or at play, leaping high
into the air with body curved, legs held stiff
and close together, and head down ; at the same
time the line of long white hair on the rump is
displayed like a fan by the action of certain skin
muscles.

It is a most interesting and pleasing sight to see
this sudden and momentary blaze of white flash
out upon the veld when a herd of Springboks are
disporting themselves or preparing to retreat.
Their pace is great, exceeding that of a good horse,
but they are no match in speed to a Blesbok or
Greyhound.

When startled, a herd of Springboks, after a few
preliminary " pronken," as the Boers call these leaping
displays, make off full speed up-wind. They are
very suspicious of roads or wagon tracks across the
veld, and clear them at a bound, springing lo to
20 feet with the greatest ease.

The South African veld is known as the Karoo-
veld, and the grass-veld. The former is covered with
low stunted bushes chiefly belonging to the orders
Composites and Portulacaccce, and the latter is
clothed entirely with grass.

In the Cape Province we find the Karoo-veld,
and further north and east the grass-veld prevails.

THE SPRINGBUCK

The Springbok thrives ahke upon the nutritive
Karoo shrubs, or upon grass.

When water is available these bucks drink every
second day, but when it is unobtainable they are
able to exist comfortably without it for a con-
siderable time. This is somewhat remarkable, for
the vegetation of the Karoo is not, as a rule, of a
very succulent nature, and for months at a time
it presents a parched, dry appearance ; so much so
that the inexperienced tourist is surprised to learn
that animals thrive upon it.

The Springboks, like most other veld-roving
antelopes, often resort to the various salt pans under
cover of darkness to lick the salt-impregnated lime-
stone and surface incrustations of salt.

In the past this antelope was one of the chief
sources of food of the Bushmen and Hottentots.

The Springbok is easily tamed, and thrives well
in captivity. It is, in consequence, seen in most
Zoological Gardens.

A young male, which a friend caused to be
castrated, developed the slender horns of an adult
female.

The gestation period lasts about 171 days, and
the lambs are born chieHy during the month of
November ; in South-West Africa it is somewhat
later. One young is usually produced at a birth,
and twins occasionally.

The flesh of the Springbok is most excellent, and
is greatly sought after.

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

This antelope could, with advantage, be thor-
oughly domesticated and bred as a food animal.

An adult ram in good condition weighs 70 to 80 lbs.,
and measures about 30 inches at the shoulder. The
general colour of the fur on the back is bright
cinnamon or rufous-fawn, and the face, throat,
underparts and inner sides of the limbs are pure
white. A small patch of fawn is present between
the horns, and a streak of rich chestnut runs down
each side of the face from the eyes nearly to the
corners of the mouth. The rufous-fawn of the back
is separated from the white of the under parts by a
broad lateral stripe of deep chestnut-brown. From
the centre of the back to the tail is a fold or narrow
pouch which runs down to the root of the tail.
This is lined with long, snowy-white hairs.

On a farm at Carlton in the Cape Province there
are several Springboks which are pure white, with
the exception of the streaks on the sides of the body
and face. These are light buff in colour. The
Port Elizabeth Museum possesses a good mounted
example of these albinos. Another specimen in the
Museum is snow white without any trace of brown
or buff.

The female Springbok is horned. The lambs, at
birth, are yellowish-grey with the side stripes rather
inconspicuous.

THE BLUEBUCK OR BLAAUWBOK

(Hippotragus Icucophceus)

This antelope formerly inhabited the south-western
portion of the Cape Province, but was exterminated
by the early settlers more than a hundred years
ago.

Mounted specimens are on exhibition in the
Museums at Paris, Vienna, Leyden, Stockholm and
Upsala.

The Bluebuck was a near relative of the Roan
Antelope, and no doubt originally sprang from the
same stock.

It is somewhat surprising that its habitat should
have been so restricted. No doubt in the distant
past a herd became separated and pushed its way,
or was driven to the south, and subsequently
developed the characteristics which justified
naturalists in naming it a distinct species.

The last-known specimen was killed about the
year 1799.

The following interesting account of the ex-
tinct Blaauwbok {Hippotragus leucophceus) has been
kindly contributed by Graham Renshaw, M.D., of
Manchester.

" The proposal lately put forward to massacre

VOL. Ill 97 7

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

big game from aeroplanes has once more served
to draw attention to the destruction of wild life
during the last hundred years. The subject of
this notice was the first of Africa's splendid fauna
to disappear : so early was it exterminated that it
has remained unknown save to a very few natural-
ists, and for every person who has heard of the
Blaauwbok there are probably thousands who have
heard of the Dodo and the Great Auk. The
museums of the world contain but five specimens,
two of which have been studied by the writer.

" The Blaauwbok (Hippotragus leucophceus^ Pallas)
was a fine antelope which stood about 45 inches
at the withers : it was known as the ' blue goat '
by the early settlers, in consequence of its curved,
scimitar-like horns and its blue-grey coat : a spot
in front of and below the eye was whitish, as were
also the lips and the belly, and the insides of the
limbs. Thus, although closely related to those con-
spicuously marked animals, the Roan and the Sable
antelopes, the Blaauwbok was itself of subdued
and somewhat indefinite coloration, a pale shadow
of its bigger and more gaily robed cousins. So
little indeed was its curious livery understood that
the coat was reported to change colour after death :
in the words of the old naturalist, Pennant, ' Colour,
when alive, a fine blue of velvet appearance ; when
dead, changes to bluish-grey, with a mixture of
white ' {History of Quadrupeds, vol. i. p. 74).

" Although finally exterminated by the early

THE BLUEBUCK OR BLAAUWBOK

settlers, the Blaauwbok was probably already on
the road to extinction when it was first mentioned
by Kolben in his account of ' the present state of
the Cape of Good Hope,' translated into English
in 1 73 1. The animal was then entirely confined
to the province of Swellendam, in the south-west
of Cape Colony — a district, by the way, famous
as the last refuge of another curious antelope, the
handsome Bontebok, which happily still survives.
Thus, within the memory of the white man, the
Blaauwbok has always been, to quote the naturalist,
Le Vaillant, ' la plus rare et la plus belle des gazelles
d'Afrique.' The original cause of its limited range
and consequent rarity will probably never be
known ; for one may dismiss as highly improbable
the stories of the colonists who, according to Thun-
berg, ascribed the scarceness of the Blaauwbok to
the carelessness of the females, who were con-
tinually losing their young ones from the attacks
of wild beasts. In studying the distribution of
animals one often finds some apparently negligible
boundary, such as a river, completely isolating a
species from large tracts of country : thus, in the
old days, the Blue Wildebeest did not occur south
of the Vaal River, nor the Quagga to the north of
it : similarly to-day we find the White Rhinoceros
of the Ladak entirely confined to the west bank of
the Nile. Some such boundary may have limited
the range of the Blaauwbok ; in any case this
antelope and its congener the Roan give one more

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

example of the strange discontinuous distribution
for which the fauna of Africa is remarkable. The
Roan Antelope was not discovered till in 1801 Sir
John Barrow's party journeyed north as far as
Bechuanaland — thus, between the province of Swel-
lendam in the south-west and Bechuanaland in the
north intervened an enormous tract of territory
in which neither Roan nor Blaauwbok nor any other
member of their special group (the hippotragine
antelopes) occurred at all. In Africa to-day the
naturalist finds similar gaps in distribution in the
family of oryx antelopes and also among gazelles.

" From the scanty field-notes available it appears
that the Blaauwbok wandered singly or in small
troops over the open veldt, probably in company
of Springbok : indeed, Le Vaillant records that it
was shortly after observing a herd of the latter
animals that in December 1781 his attendant shot
a Blaauwbok in the Valley of Soete Melk. His
account of the affair is most interesting reading,
and bears internal evidence of accuracy. The
quarry when first seen was lying down : it was
probably resting from the heat, for Le Vaillant
says that when it stood up soon afterwards he at
first mistook it for a white horse, till he saw the
horns : this account being curiously corroborated
by the late F. C. Selous, who, in writing of the
allied Roan Antelope, says, ' when standing in an
open plain, with the sun shining on them, they
often look almost white, which accounts for the

100

^ s
> ^

^:*:

THE BLUEBUCK OR BLAAUWBOK

name of White Sable Antelope, by which they are
known in many native dialects ' {Great and Small
Game of Africa, p. 409). Le Vaillant well under-
stood what a prize he had obtained : he made a
drawing of it on the spot, and his Hottentot attend-
ant, who had secured the animal with a single shot,
skinned it as expertly as he had shot it, Le Vaillant
eventually bringing it to Europe on his return.
The valley of Soete Melk was the property of the
Dutch East India Company : Sir John Barrow
described it as an extensive tract of land near the
town of Swellendam, watered by the Zonder End
River, and bounded to the north by a range of
wooded hills. It was the last stronghold of the
Blaauwbok : unfortunately it did not shelter any
for very long after Le Vaillant's adventure, for some
fifteen years later Sir John Barrow already supposed
that the species was entirely ' lost to the Colony.'
There was, however, a last flicker of the expiring
candle : during 1 796-1 797 Sir John learnt that
Blaauwbok had reappeared in the wooded hills
behind the valley of Soete Melk. They lasted till
1800, when the last survivors were shot, and sent
as skins to Leyden, though these specimens appear
to have since been lost.

" Thirty-five years passed ; nothing more was
heard of the Blaauwbok ; all that remained to attest
that it had ever existed were five specimens pre-
served respectively in the museums at Leyden,
Paris, Stockholm, Upsala and Vienna. The opening

lOI

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

up of South Africa revealed no more of the
' blue goat ' : Sir Andrew Smith's great expedition
from the Cape to Bechuanaland added nothing to
the scanty literature of the species. In 1 836 Captain
Cornwallis Harris, one of the most enthusiastic
sportsmen naturalists that Africa has ever known,
made his celebrated hunting trip ' into Southern
Africa, through the territories of the Chief Mosele-
katse, to the Tropic of Capricorn.' Already long
' blotted from the book of life,' as Harris expressed
it, the Blaauwbok had become a zoological myth :
and although M. Gcoffroy sent to Sir Andrew
Smith a drawing of the Paris specimen, the latter
declared that it merely represented a young Roan
Antelope which lacked the usual chocolate-red on
face and breast. For a genuine specimen of the
' Blue Antelope ' Harris said he would have willingly
given a finger of his right hand : he was sceptical,
doubting if the species had ever existed, though in
his book of adventures he mentions the example
in the Paris Museum. Dr. ]. E. Gray, after ex-
amining the actual specimen at Paris, agreed with
his brother naturalists : the few Blaauwbok remain-
ing in museums were declared to be but dwarf or
immature examples of the Roan Antelope. Finally,
however, the Blaauwbok was resuscitated by two
Continental naturalists — Sundevall of Stockholm,
and Kohl of Vienna — who were able to study it
at first hand from specimens in museums. Sunde-
vall showed that the feet of adult Blaauwbok were

102

THE BLUEBUCK OR BLAAUWBOK

markedly smaller than even those of immature
Roan : while Kohl published a valuable paper, Ueher
neue und Seltenc Antilopen^ in which he clearly
demonstrated the essential differences between the
two.

" It was with considerable Interest therefore that
the writer some years ago examined the classical
example — the type specimen described by Pallas
in 1776, and now preserved in the Leyden Museum.
By the kindness of the late Dr. Jentink the glass
panelhng was removed : the measurements then
taken gave a height at the withers of 49^ inches,
and a length (tip of muzzle to root of tail) of
731 inches : the horns were beautifully curved,
annulated with thirty-five rings, and had a length
of 245 inches. The neck mane was very slight
and directed forwards : there was no throat
mane. The specimen had been well mounted
in its day, and was an adult male, in very good
preservation.

" The Paris specimen was more puzzling. Pre-
served in the museum of the Jardin des Plantes, it
at first sight indeed resembled a small, faded speci-
men of the Roan Antelope : closer study, however,
revealed the comparative length and slenderness of
the horns, the absence of any black area on the face,
and the relatively short ears. In the glass case a
big Roan Antelope stood next to it : comparison of the
Blaauwbok's slender horns and subdued coloration
with the ibex-like weapons, huge tufted ears, upright

10;^

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

mane and pied face of the roan demonstrated the
characteristic differences beyond dispute.

" On the coat of the Paris Blaauwbok the famous
bluish-purple tint still lingers, and owing to the
care with which the specimen is housed, will prob-
ably continue to do so for another century. It
reminds the writer of the exquisite satiny gloss seen
on well-kept menagerie specimens of the Sable
Antelope, besides recalling the changeable iridescence
occurring in the Roan. As regards the supposed
post-mortem change of colour it is certainly true that
some structures — such as the lilac breast-feathers
of the Gouldian finch — undergo alteration after
the death of their wearer : but on this point Le
Vaillant expressly says, ' I did not observe, as Dr.
Sparrmann says, that this antelope when alive
resembles blue velvet, and that when dead the skin
changes its colour : living or dead, it appeared to me
always alike. The tints of that which I brought
with me never varied' {Travels in Africa^ vol. i.

p. 133)-

" The best explanation of the supposed colour
change is that of Harris, who long ago pointed out
that in the Roan at any rate the actual hide during
life is black, changing to brown after death : similar
fading in the skin (not the hairy coat) of the ' Blue
Antelope ' would explain the post-mortem change
to ' leaden colour ' — the actual blue-grey of the
coat being dimmed by the faded hide beneath.
Many antelopes, when age has thinned their coat,

104

THE ROAN ANTELOPE

exhibit a bluish appearance due to the underlying
hide : and if we suppose — not unreasonably — that
the first ' Blue Antelope ' shot was one which, by
age and infirmity, fell an easy victim to the ante-
diluvian weapons of the colonists, such a specimen
would exhibit the ' blue velvet ' appearance in the
highest degree."

The Bluebuck was a large antelope, the male
standing 45 inches, and the female 40 inches at the
withers. The general colour was bluish-grey.

This extinct antelope must not be confused with
the little bush-frequenting Bluebuck or Blaauw-
bokje, which is so common in the forests of South
Africa.

THE ROAN ANTELOPE

{Hippotragus equinus)

Bastard Gemsbok of Cape and Free State Dutch; Bastard Eland
of Transvaal Dutch; Kwar of Masarwa Bushmen; Mtagaisi
of Swazis and Zulus ; Klabakila of Basutos ; Itaka of Mata-
bele ; Qualata of Northern Bechuana ; Taihaitsa of Southern
Bechuana ; Qualata Tseu of Barotse ; Kwar of Masarwa
Kwalata and Etselta of Ngami ; Ukamuhwi of Makuba
Impengo etuba of Masubia ; Ipewa of Chilala and Chibisa
Ipalapala chena of Makalakas ; Chilumbulumbu of Chila
Wunderbi of Abyssinians ; Abu Aruf of Dinka and Arabic
Palancca of Angola ; Amon of Sudani ; Da kevoi of Mandingo
Gwenki of Hausa.

The Roan Antelope inhabits Africa north of the
Vaal and Orange Rivers to Abyssinia, and the

105

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

Sudan on the east, and Nigeria and Senegambia
on the west, except in the region of the great Congo
forest.

Like most other animals distributed over a wide
extent of country, the Roan Antelope differs more
or less from the typical form or kind originally
described from South Africa. There are several
of these geographical varieties or local races which,
for convenience, have been given sub-speciiic
names.

The Roan associates in small troops of five or a
dozen individuals. There is usually one bull to a
herd of cows, but occasionally two adult bulls
may be observed in a troop of about a dozen
cows.

Old bulls, which have been driven out of the
herds, are often found living solitary lives.

They frequent alike the high veld, the treeless,
grassy valleys and hills, as well as country sparsely
covered with bush. When frequently persecuted,
they take to the forests and live there.

They are grass feeders, and drink at regular
intervals.

Selous states the first calves are born in South-
East Africa from the third week in January to the
end of February. The young calves are very like
those of the Sable Antelope, and are often mistaken
for them. They differ in their somewhat lighter
colour, longer ears and the face markings.

When wounded and brought to bay the Roan
1 06

THE ROAN ANTELOPE

Antelope bull fights fiercely for its life, often
charging savagely with lowered head at its enemies.
So sudden is the charge, and so effectively does
it use its horns, that great havoc is sometimes
occasioned amongst a pack of dogs when it is attacked
by them.

Selous regards the flesh of this antelope as superior
to even that of the Eland, Gemsbuck or any other
South African antelope.

The Roan is fleet and enduring, so much so that
it can seldom be overtaken by a well-mounted
hunter if unwounded. If the horse should be
exceptionally good, and well trained to veld work,
this antelope may — after a most exhausting chase —
be overtaken, but it is necessary to tax the strength
and endurance of the horse to the utmost.

The Roan Antelope stands about 54 inches at
the withers ; it is pale brown in the upper parts,
becoming darker towards the rump ; head dark
brown, almost black ; white patches below, above
and in front of the eyes. The nose and lips are
also white. Horns shorter and more robust than
those of the Sable Antelope.

The female is horned.

Average weight of a Roan bull is 600 to
630 lbs.

107

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

THE SABLE ANTELOPE

(Hippotragiis nigcr)

Zwart-wit-pens of the Boers ; Impalampala of Zulus and Swazis ;
Potoquani of Southern Bechuana ; Solupe of Masarwa Bush-
men ; Qualata inchu of Bamangwato and Makololo ; Umtjieli
of Matabele ; Palahala of Basuto ; Impengo of Masubia ;
Ukwa of Makuba ; Pala-pala of Makalaka ; Kwalata n'tso
of Barotse ; Qualata Tshumu of Ngami ; Mperembi of Chilala
and Chibisa ; Kantanta of Chila.

The Sable Antelope, which is known to the Dutch-
speaking colonists as the Zwart-wit-pens, inhabits
Africa from German South-West through western
Bechuanaland, and the northern portions of the
Transvaal to Mozambique, and northwards as far
as British East Africa on the eastern side and Angola
on the west. Although common both east and
west in the bush country and Game Reserves of
the Transvaal, it does not exist south of the Crocodile
River.

This handsome antelope associates in herds of
six, eight, ten, twenty to fifty individuals, con-
sisting usually of one adult bull and the rest cows,
immature males and calves. The other adult males
which have failed to vanquish the herd bull live
solitary or in groups of three or four.

The Sable frequent districts thinly covered
with bush in which grassy valleys and small streams
are plentiful. When persecuted they retire to the
more thickly wooded districts which are usually

io8

THE SABLE ANTELOPE

found in the low country. Unlike many of the
other large antelopes they never resort to the
open, treeless plains. They travel great distances
at times in search of young green grass, but always
keep in the vicinity of the open forest. Being a
regular drinker, the Sable is never found far from
water. On the approach of the mating season the
bulls start a series of duels, fighting with the
greatest fierceness and courage. The long, curved,
sharp-pointed horns are used with such deadly
effect that numbers are slain in these annual lights
for the leadership of the herd.

When wounded and brought to bay the bull
Sable usually lies down, and should dogs be rash
enough to rush in to close quarters he, with a few
swift strokes from side to side with his formidable
horns, plays great havoc with them. Even lions
are at times slain in combat with this bold, tough
fighter of the antelope tribe. So well known in
the lower animal world is the prowess of the Sable
bull that carnivorous animals other than the Lion
rarely venture to attack him.

In captivity the Sable thrives well and is easily
tamed. A friend succeeded in rearing two Sable
calves by suckling them from a domestic cow.
The bull Sable in captivity is likely after a time to
become dangerous, and is apt to attack any one
venturing into its enclosure other than the keeper
who feeds it.

When running the Sable arches its neck, showing
109

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

off the fine curved horns to great advantage.
It is very fleet, but can easily be run down by
a well-mounted man. It is impossible, however,
to overtake a Sable, unless heavy in calf, on an
ordinary South African shooting-pony.

The period at which the calves are born appears
to vary. In South-East Africa, according to Major
Stevenson-Hamilton, it is usually in January and
February, and in Rhodesia mostly during November
and December. F. C. Selous states the bulk of
them calve during September and October. The
calving period would thus seem to extend from
about September to February, varying according
to the part of the country inhabited by this
antelope.

They breed freely in captivity when allowed to
run in a large enclosure.

The Sable averages about 50 inches at the
shoulders, although a herd bull may attain a height
of 56 inches.

The upper parts of the body and legs are dark
reddish-brown of varying shades to black in the
adult males. The under parts and portions of the
face are white ; neck maned ; tail long, with tuft
of black hair at the end.

The female is horned.

THE GEMSBUCK

{Oryx gazella)

Kukama of Bechuana and Makalakas ; Ko of Masarwa Bushmen ;
Icowa of Amaxosa ; Kukama of Bechuanas and Bakalahari.

The Gemsbuck or Gemsbok was formerly common
all over the Karoo-veld of the Cape Province, but
is now only found in the north-west corner of the
province in small numbers. It is still met with
on the desert-like plains of Bechuanaland, South-
West Africa, and in the Kalahari, where it is still
fairly plentiful. North of the Zambesi it extends
as far as southern Angola.

The Gemsbuck is a desert-loving antelope, and
is unknown on the fertile eastern side of Africa.
They associate in pairs or small family parties, and
never in large herds. The late Mr. F. C. Selous
mentions having seen as many as fifteen, and Gordon
Gumming twenty-five in a troop. This was in
districts where they had not been persecuted.

They inhabit the dry waterless wastes, or open
plains dotted with stunted bush ; and even in the
early days before the hunter with his firearms
appeared, they apparently limited their range to
the arid regions of South-West Africa.

The digestive organs of the Gemsbuck are modified
in such a way as to be able to extract sufficient
nourishment from parched and scanty vegetation
for the needs of the animal. Even in the most

III

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

arid parts of the Kalahari, when the sparse and
stunted vegetation is dry and shrivelled after a
prolonged drought, the Gemsbuck thrives, and even
grows fat upon the scanty pickings. Although it
will drink if water is available, this antelope is able
to exist for long periods without water, and is
stated by some authors to be quite independent of
it. They usually obtain sufficient water from the
wild water-melons which thrive on the sandy wastes,
and the watery bulbs which are widely distributed
in the dry habitat of the Gemsbuck. These bulbs
are dug out of the ground by the animal with its
hoofs.

When wounded and bayed by dogs, the Gemsbuck
lies down and uses its horns with terrible effect on
any dogs which might venture near. It is stated
that even lions have been transfixed by the sharp,
straight horns of this antelope. The Lion in its
death agony kills the Gemsbuck, and their bleached
skeletons bear testimony to the fierceness and deadly
nature of the combat. When viewed sideways at
a distance, the Gemsbuck appears to possess only
one long, straight horn. It is, therefore, thought
that the Unicorn of Mythology is this antelope or
its near relative the Beisa.

Old bull Gemsbucks which have been driven off
by younger rivals are often met with roaming about
alone.

The flesh of this antelope is excellent ; its
skin is remarkably tough and strong, and is much

112

The Dainaralaiid Dik-dik. I lie Dik-dik is about the same height as
tlie tiny blue Duiker, hut is more slenderly built.

[See paye 64J

^'oung Gemsbok on the high veld at \ ryburg.

THE GEMSBUCK

sought after for making whip-lashes, raw-hide
thongs and harness.

Ahhough fleet, the Gemsbuck can usually be
run down by a well-mounted man ; but when not
burdened with fat they frequently succeed in
exhausting even the best of horses.

I have succeeded in rearing Gemsbuck calves, a
domestic cow acting as foster-mother.

The Gemsbuck is fawny-grey on the back and
sides ; the white of the under parts is separated by
a broad, dark stripe extending from the flanks along
the side to the fore-legs ; the backs of the fore- and
hind-limbs are white, and the face parti-coloured.

The height at the shoulder is about 45 inches.

The female is horned, and the horns, although
thinner than those of the male, usually attain a
greater length.

VOL. Ill 113

THE BUSHBUCK

(Tragdaphus scriptus)

Imbabala of Zulus, Amaxosa, Swazi, Matabele, Barotse, Batonga
and Masubias (the Zulus and Amaxosa when desiring to dis-
tinguish the male from the female call the former Inkonka) ;
Iscolobutuku of Bamangwato ; Ibawara of Lower Zambesi
tribes ; Ungurungu of Makuba ; Dol of Somali ; Chiwala-
wala of Chilala and Chibisa ; Abu Nabah of Sudani ; Assali
of Danakil ; Bata of M'Kua ; Mbawara of Swahili ; Mazo
and Biilumgito of Hausa ; Ngabi of Waganda ; Dccula of
Abyssinia ; Shichibange of Chila.

The Bushbuck, or Boschbok of the Dutch colonists,
inhabits the forest regions from the coastal districts
of the Cape Province up through Africa to Abys-
sinia.

The Bushbuck, as its name implies, is a bush-
dwelling antelope. It is one of the most nocturnal
of South African antelopes, and is solitary by
habit, except during the breeding season, when
a pair with their last lamb may be seen. I have
sometimes surprised an adult ram with several
ewes feeding in a forest glade. On one occasion,
requiring the skin of a Bushbuck ram for making
lashes for wagon whips, we beat an isolated patch
of dense bush on a friend's farm, and eleven
ewes, a few half-grown males, and only one big
ram emerged. The rams are very pugnacious, and

114

THE BUSHBUCK

will not tolerate another adult of their sex in their
neighbourhood. During the mating season they
fight in a most determined manner, and these
yearly conflicts for securing wives end in death to
considerable numbers of rams. I came upon a
helpless ram one day. He had been terribly gored,
and was gashed in a score of places. The game old
fellow made a vain endeavour to rise and charg-e
me. The ground and herbage around was trampled
and splashed with blood.

The Bushbuck produces its young in the spring
and summer months, usually from the end of
September to about the end of the following Feb-
ruary. In the coastal parts of the eastern portion
of the Cape Province, if not elsewhere, the Bushbuck
breed all the year round. This is, no doubt, due
to the vegetation being in a green and succulent
condition at all times of the year.

It will thus be seen that with this antelope, as
with others, the breeding times vary according to
the district and nature of the environment.

During the daytime they lie in the thick bush,
usually on the fringes of the forests. When dis-
turbed they plunge into the innermost recesses of
their bushy home.

The Bushbuck selects some particular haunt in a
quiet part of a forest, isolated clump of scrub, or
in the thick bush which so frequently grows along
the borders of streams. Here it makes its home,
emerging during the early mornings and evenings

115

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

to feed upon leaves, shoots, berries, tender grass
and roots. The latter it digs up with its hoofs.
I have known Bushbucks inhabit the same haunt
for a continuous period of ten years.

On a friend's estate in Natal there happened to
be a particularly dense, sheltered and secluded patch
of bush. In this cover an old Bushbuck ram had
his home. He was shot, and every season for
many years a Bushbuck ram was found and killed
in this patch of bush. Although, in the neigh-
bourhood, a number of ewes inhabited the forest,
none of them were ever found in this particular
haunt. The Bushbuck ram is usually a dangerous
animal to approach when wounded. I have wit-
nessed many dogs and several men being either
killed or seriously wounded by these antelopes.
On one occasion a Bushbuck ram was driven from
a patch of bush and wounded by a young farmer.
It made off up a small, blind kloof. The young
man, heedless of our warnings, went in after it.
In a short while we heard a double shot and then
silence. Making our way up the donga we found
our friend and the Bushbuck dead ; the latter's horns
had been driven in an upward direction through the
abdomen right up to the heart.

On another occasion a ram was badly wounded,
and succeeded in reaching a patch of bush into
which it disappeared. Being some distance off,
the excited young man who had shot the buck
did not hear or heed my warning calls, and dashed

ii6

A l)Ushl)uck ram from P)Ushv I'aik near Pcirt Klizalieth.

Thigli bone or femur of a Bushbuck ram. shewing natural healing of a
ijad fracture. The lliigh bone was smashed by a rifle bullet. The
wounded buck escaped, but was killed the following season; the
broken lione was found to be healed in the manner shewn.

THE BUSHBUCK

after the buck. We found him later lying on his
face dead. The buck had driven its horns once
into his side and twice through the back. A Kafir
had his thigh laid open from above the knee to the
hip by a single side-stroke of a wounded Bushbuck.
As the animal dashed at him the man stepped aside,
and the instant the horn caught him he drove the
blade of his stabbing assegai into the buck behind
the shoulder through its heart. The stroke was a
magnificent one under such difficult and trying
circumstances.

In a small glade in a forest in Natal I stumbled
over an adult Python {Python sebcs) and fell flat
upon it. Turning a few rapid somersaults I got
out of reach of its coils and scrambled to my feet.
There was no occasion, however, for alarm, for the
great snake, which I subsequently found to be
1 8 feet in length, was in a dying condition. Its
back had been broken, and its body was punctured
and ripped in several places. Near-by lay the dead
body of a Bushbuck ram. On examination it was
apparent that it had been strangled by the Python.
On one of its fore-legs there were marks of the
reptiles recurved teeth, and on close inspection
several teeth were found sticking in the skin. Ex-
amining the ground around, I noticed the spoor of
a Bushbuck doe and that of a fawn which seemed
to be about six months old. The whole scene was
made clear : the Python had evidently seized the
fawn, and its cries, and perhaps those of its mother,

117

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

had brought a ram to the rescue, and a terrible
battle was fought. It was apparent the great
snake had gripped the antelope's leg with its jaws,
and eventually succeeded in strangling its foe by-
throwing one or more coils around its neck, and
applying its powers of constriction, which in so
large a snake are immense. The fawn was nowhere
to be seen, but the spoor which I traced for a
short distance indicated the intended victim had
got away on three legs, and that it was otherwise
badly hurt.

In situations where the Bushbucks are not
molested, the observer, if he is well concealed,
may see two or three ewes, perhaps with fawns, come
timidly out of the forest during the late afternoon
before sundown. After the sun dips down behind
the distant hills, a cautious old ram will usually
make his appearance. He evidently waits for his
wives to ascertain if the coast is clear before ventur-
ing forth into the open. These antelopes rely more
on their senses of smell and hearing than on
sight. On the slightest suspicion of danger, the
ewes with a loud warning bark dash back into the
forest.

Bushbucks are still fairly plentiful in most of the
bush country of South Africa, owing chiefly to a
close season being observed, and to farmers preserv-
ing them on their farms, and thus preventing the
natives from trapping and hunting them down,
which they do in and out of season on Government

ii8

THE BUSHBUCK

lands. There is no greater poacher in existence
than the South African kraal Kafir.

A friend in Natal, who had a large patch of dense
forest enclosed by a high fence, was able not only
to keep his household in venison during the game
season, but to send a considerable quantity to
market. He shot off a certain number of male
Bushbucks each year, and spared the ewes to breed.
He was always careful to shoot the rams before they
became too pugnacious, and in this way prevented
the males kilHng one another in combat.

There are several albino and partial albino
Bushbucks in the Port Elizabeth Museum. One
which is parti-coloured had eyes of a sky-blue
colour. This is an immature male. Old rams
invariably have robust necks, and are dark brown
in colour. A few years ago we received at the
Port EHzabeth Museum, from the neighbourhood
of Port Elizabeth, an old ram with exceptionally
fine horns, which had a long, thin neck and reddish
coat approaching that of the ewe in colour.
Although the neck was slender, the body was fat
and well-developed.

There is another fully-developed Busbhuck ram
in the same Museum of a uniform bluish-ash colour,
otherwise known as dove colour. I have frequently
noticed a deposit of iron pyrites on the teeth of
Bushbuck rams. So thick is the accumulation at
times that it can be removed in flakes.

In captivity the females become tame and docile,
119

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

but the males on developing into the fully adult
condition usually become vicious and more or less
unmanageable. Even when taken into captivity
at the age of a few months the males should not
be trusted after they are fully adult. One which
I had in captivity was as quiet and docile as a sheep,
but one day without provocation it savagely attacked
me, and was afterwards most erratic in its behaviour.

The height at the shoulder of an adult male
varies from 2| to 3 feet, and the weight ranges from
100 to 170 lbs.

The Bushbuck varies more or less in coloration
throughout its extensive habitat, and is, in conse-
quence, separated into several local races or sub-
species. Even in the same district the colour and
markings often differ more or less. The typical
species and local races inhabiting South Africa
south of the Zambesi are the following :

(i) The Harnessed Bushbuck {Tragelaphus scriptus
scriptus) inhabits Africa from the neighbourhood
of the Zambesi up the western side, and also South-
Central and Central Africa. It is the typical species.
The prevailing colour is bright rufous in the male,
dotted over with a considerable number of con-
spicuous white spots, and transverse and longitudinal
stripes of the same colour, and a blackish mane is
present on the chest.

(2) The Cape Bushbuck {Tragelaphus scriptus
sylvaticus) is the local race which inhabits the Cape
Province, Natal and Zululand. The adult male is

120

THE BUSHBUCK

dark brown with a few white spots on the haunches
and no transverse stripes, except perhaps from two
to four very faint ones on the back or rump. The
female and young are similar in their markings,
but the general colour is rufous-brown, and not
blackish as in the adult ram. Occasionally traces
of transverse white stripes on the haunches are
present in very young fawns, at least in the neigh-
bourhood of Port Elizabeth.

(3) Gordon Cumming's Bushbuck {Tragelaphtis
scriptus roualcyni) is the local race which prevails
from the Limpopo valley through Eastern Rhodesia,
Nyassaland and East Africa to Mombasa. It is
dark brown in the male with two or three faint
indications of white transverse stripes on the rump.
The haunches are spotted with white, and are
slightly more abundant than in the Colony Bush-
buck. The female is lighter in colour.

The colour and markings of the Bushbucks merge
so gradually into one another that it is a most
difficult matter to define the range of each, especi-
ally so owing to the prevalence of so many inter-
mediate forms.

The female Bushbuck is smaller than the male,
is less robust in appearance, and does not possess
horns except rarely as abnormalities.

The flesh of the females and immature males is
fairly good, but that of adult rams is rather dry
and tough.

121

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

THE INYALA

(Tragelaphus angasi)

The Harnessed Antelope ; Angas's Bushbuck ; Inyala of Zulus
and Amatonga ; Bo of Nyasaland.

The Inyala or Bastard Kudu of the Dutch colonists
inhabits South-East Africa from the Ingwavuma
River in northern Zululand to Beira and the
vicinity of the Shire River in Nyassaland. Accord-
ing to the Records of Big Game for 1914, it also
occurs in Angola on the west coast.

Another species, known as the Mountain Inyala
{Tragelaphus buxtoni), inhabits the Sahatu Moun-
tains of north-western Gallaland.

The Inyala usually frequents the low-lying, dense
forest country, and seldom strays far from water, of
which it drinks frequently, as often as three times
in the twenty-four hours during the dry season.

In Portuguese East Africa Inyala are found at
least sixty miles from water, and Mr. Cecil Barnard,
a big-game hunter, tells me they can exist for months
without drinking.

In these thick, damp, tangled forests these antelopes
live in small troops of one adult male and about
half-a-dozen females. At other times the females
with their young and the immature males herd
together ; the adult rams wandering about singly
or in small groups. When the young are about to
be born, the does wander off alone. Herds of as

122

Ch '^

THE INYALA

many as a dozen docs and three or four adult rams
are occasionally seen together in the Game Reserves
of Zululand, which are the headquarters of the
Inyala.

In districts outside these Reserves, the Inyala is
becoming scarcer every year. They are still fairly
abundant along the wooded banks of the Sabi River
in Portuguese East Africa. The horns of the male
Inyala are in great request, and the flesh of both
sexes is highly esteemed.

These antelope feed upon the bean-pods of acacia
trees, leaves, tender shoots, wild fruits, berries and
young, tender grass. The sections of the forest
selected by the Inyala for its home are those portions
which are very dense, with an abundance of tangled
undergrowth. Like their relative the Bushbuck,
they are nocturnal, resting during the daylight
hours and issuing forth at night.

The principal mating time is in April. A single
young one is produced at a birth, once annually,
usually during the months of September and
October, although some are born as early as August,
and a few during the summer and autumn months
until as late as March.

The call of the Inyala is a hoarse, deep bark
like that of the Bushbuck, but louder and more
intense.

Although its home is the dark, dense, thorny
tangle, which apparently no animal other than a
comparatively small one could creep or run through,

123

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

yet this large robust antelope glides under and
through it with the greatest of ease, and the only
chance the hunter has of a shot is when one happens
to dart across some open space. The Leopard, Lion
and Wild Dog are the principal natural enemies of
the Inyala, although the Caracal, Serval and Honey
Ratel prey upon the young ones when occasion
offers.

The male, when bayed by dogs, puts up a good
fight, and being so quick with its horns, it is a
dangerous animal for dogs to tackle.

The cattle plague known as Rinderpest, which
swept through South Africa some years ago, de-
stroyed large numbers of Inyala antelopes.

The flesh of this buck is excellent, and even that
of the rams is good and tender.

The Inyala is a fairly large animal, standing about
3 feet 6 inches at the shoulder, and weighs from
250 to 300 lbs.

The hair on the male is greyish-brown or slaty-
grey. A fringe of long hairs is present along the
ridge of the back ; the throat, under parts, and the
back of the haunches on either side of the tail,
forehead and round the eyes bright sienna-brown ;
a chevron-shaped white mark shows clearly on the
nose ; the cheeks are spotted with white, and the
chin and the upper lips are of the same colour.
Tail about 18 inches in length to the ends of the
terminal hairs, bushy throughout, white below and
black above, and at the tip. From the white fringe

124

3-T^ 5

THE SITUTUNGA

of long hairs along the ridge of the back run
about five white transverse lines which encircle the
barrel.

The female is smaller than the male, lacks horns,
and is bright reddish-chestnut, approaching orange
in colour, becoming somewhat paler below and on
the insides of the hind-limbs. A black line runs
from the crown of the head along the ridge of the
back to the tip of the tail. From this, twelve to
thirteen transverse white stripes run round the
barrel. Tail rufous above, white below and black
at the tip ; white spots on the cheeks and thighs.
Height at the shoulder i8 inches. The young are
like the female in colour, but are more spotted and
paler.

THE SITUTUNGA

(Tragelaphus spekei sclousi)

Situtunga of the Barotse ; Nakong of Bechuana and tribes in
vicinity of Lake Mgami ; Zowi of Chilala and Chibisa ; Situ-
tunga, Puvula, and Unzuzu of Chobi and Central Zambesi ;
Njobi of Waganda ; N'zoi of Lakanga ; Kawi of Cameruns ;
Mluri of Duala ; Nkaya and Nkoko of Congo ; Shichinzebe
of Chila.

The Situtunga, otherwise known in South Africa
as the Waterskaap or Waterkudu, inhabits the vast
papyrus and reed-swamps which border the shores
of lakes and rivers of South-Central, Central and
East Africa.

A local race or sub-species (Tragelaphus spekei
125

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

selousi) is found in the swamps between Lake Ngami
and the Chobe, as well as along its marshy and
reed-covered banks.

Beyond the Zambesi, the typical form or kind
{Tragelaphus spekci) and two sub-species or local
races occur {Tragelaphus spekci grains and Trage-
laphus spekei alhonotatus). The range of the typical
species is from the South-Central and Central
portions of Africa, eastwards. The range of T.
spekei gratus is Western Equatorial Africa. The
range of T. spekei albonotatus is unknown (possibly
Angola or Upper Guinea).

The hoofs of the Situtunga are greatly elongated,
and are, in consequence, specially serviceable for
a life in the swamps, for this animal leads what may
be termed a semi-aquatic life. It is, in fact, the
most aquatic of all the antelope tribe.

Living in small family parties or pairs, the Situ-
tunga passes the daylight hours concealed in the
reeds and papyrus ; and the hours of darkness in
feeding upon the young shoots. On solid, hard
ground it is awkward and slow like a duck out of
water, but in its marshy haunts it can progress
with ease, swiftness and safety over the matted
vegetation and through the water. It is sometimes
driven from its hiding-places in the great swamps
by firing the dead reeds after a long spell of dry
weather. As the fire approaches, the Situtunga
retreats over and through the marsh, often with
a tremendous amount of splashing. During the

126

THE SITUTUNGA

seasons of heavy floods, the water in these vast
marshes becomes so deep that the natives are able
to paddle over them in their canoes, and success-
fully round up and spear the Situtungas.

To avoid their enemies, these antelopes often sink
their bodies deep in the muddy water with only
the nostrils above its surface. Concealed thus they
will not move even should a canoe touch them in
passing. Unless driven from its marshy haunts by
fire or natives in canoes, the Situtunga is rarely
seen. Occasionally a momentary glimpse of one
may be obtained about sunset or after dawn on the
edges on a reedy marsh. When driven on to hard
ground it is possible to run down these animals
on foot, so clumsy and awkward are they. In
adapting this antelope for a semi-aquatic existence
in marshy country. Nature has deprived it of the
fleetness of foot so characteristic of the rest of the
antelope tribe.

The flesh of the Situtunga is rank and unpleasant
to the European palate.

This antelope was first met with in 1852 by
Dr. Livingstone. The Situtunga is slightly larger
than its close relative the Inyala, standing about
45 inches at the withers. In the typical species
from the Victoria Nyanza neighbourhood, the full-
grown males are greyish-brown and unstriped, and
the females arc rufous with rather indistinct body-
stripes. In the western race or sub-species {T.
spekei gratus) the male and female are, in colour

127

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

and markings, very much like the Inyala male and
female.

In the little-known sub-species T. spekei albono-
tatus, the white face markings are larger.

The sub-species which occurs south of the Zam-
besi, aud with which wc are chiefly concerned,
the adults of both sexes, unlike others of the same
genus, are alike in coloration. This is rather
remarkable, as the females of the typical race and
the other local races differ considerably from the
male.

The young ones are striped transversely with
narrow white lines. The Situtunga may at once
be distinguished from the Inyala by its hoofs, which
are excessively long, and by the lateral or false hoofs
which attain an unusual degree of development.

The female is hornless.

THE KUDU

{Strepsiccros capcnsis)

Iqudu of Amaxosa ; Kudu or Koodoo of Hottentots ; Umgaxa of
Zulus ; Itolo of Basuto ; Itshongonono of Swazis ; Tolo of
Bechuana, Barotse and Ngami tribes ; Noro of Mashonas ;
Dwar of Masarwa ; Muziloua of Batonga ; Unza of Mazubia ;
Unzwa of Makuba ; Muziloua of Batonga ; Izilarwa of
Makalaka ; Ngomo of Chilala and Chibisa ; Godir of Somali ;
Tata of M'Kua ; Nylat of Sudani ; Agarzin of Abyssinia.

The Kudu inhabits Africa wherever the nature of
the country is suitable, from the Cape Province to

128

THE KUDU

the Sahara on the west. The region of the Congo
is its northern hmit. Eastwards it ranges into
Abyssinia and Somahland.

Pallas was the first man to name the Kudu from
some mounted heads which he saw in the Leyden
Museum, and he called it Antelope strepsiceros. The
Latin word Strepsiceros was subsequently adopted
as the generic name of this animal. Sir Andrew
Smith, in the South African Quarterly Journal in
1834, ^^^ ^^^ fi^^^ ^^^ ^° name the Kudu from com-
plete specimens ; therefore his specific name of
capensis^ we think, should be retained, as it is
undesirable for the generic and specific names to
be identical, if there are any reasonable grounds for
setting aside the law of priority.

The Kudu, owing to Government protection,
still exists in the forest-covered districts of the
Cape Province from Riversdale and Prince Albert
divisions, and eastwards to Albany and Fort Beau-
fort. It is met with in fairly large numbers in the
bush-covered portions of the Uitenhage District,
and along the Koonap and Great Fish Rivers. It
also inhabits the wooded portions of the country in
Prieska and Griqualand West.

There is, at present, upwards of 10,000 Kudu in
the Cape Province. Outside this province its
habitat includes South-West Africa, Bechuanaland,
Rhodesia, the Transvaal, Zululand and Portuguese
territory.

North of the Zambesi it extends to Abyssinia
VOL. Ill 129 9

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

and Somaliland on the east, and to Angola on the
west.

The Kudu associates in small herds of five to a
dozen, and occasionally a score of individuals com-
posed of cow^s, calves and one or perhaps two adult
bulls, if the herd be large.

After the mating season the younger males are
permitted to join the herd until the next mating
season, when the right to perpetuate the species
has to be decided by combat.

Sometimes a small troop of old bulls are seen
consorting together ; and at other times they are
solitary.

The calves are born principally during the mid-
summer months, although the time varies in different
parts of the country.

The Kudu inhabits the dense forests, and the
broad belts of bush bordering the rivers. They
are particularly partial to rocky and stony hills
covered with thorny bush.

Although their pace is not great or enduring in
the open, yet in their forest home they are exceed-
ingly expert and agile in eluding their enemies.
Their senses of sight, hearing and smell are acutely
developed, and on the slightest cause for alarm they
make off at a swift pace through and under the
tangled thorny scrub and rough, boulder-strewn
ground.

The enormous and widely-stretched horns of the
adult male would seem to be a severe handicap on

130

THE KUDU

such a large animal when plunging through a forest.
This, however, is only apparent, for the male, when
dashing through the dense tangled bush, thrusts
his nose straight out, and the massive horns lie
close along the shoulders, and serve as a protection
from the long, sharp thorns with which most of the
forest trees are covered. In addition to their
wonderful powers of flight through dense bush,
they are able to leap obstacles at least 8 feet in
height.

The food of this antelope, like that of its rela-
tives the Bushbuck and Inyala, consists of leaves,
shoots, berries, wild fruits, and roots and bulbs
which it scrapes up. When water is available it
drinks regularly, but is able to subsist for con-
siderable periods without it.

The Kudu is exceedingly shy, timid and cautious
in its bushy home, but when captured and kindly
treated it soon becomes tame and confident. When
caught young they can be tamed so effectually that
they may be given their liberty and allowed to
graze with the cattle. A friend had half-a-dozen
which went out into the bush-veld every day with
a herd of cattle, and returned with them to the
kraal at sundown.

When wounded and bayed by dogs, the bull Kudu
makes a more or less half-hearted fight ; but beyond
trying to keep off the dogs with its horns, it makes
little or no attempt to inflict injury upon its assail-
ants. Even in their seasonable combats for wives

131

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

the males rarely kill or even seriously wound one
another. The enormous horns, beyond giving the
male a majestic appearance, are not of great use to
the animal. When alarmed, the Kudu, like the
Bushbuck and Inyala, always prefer to go under
rather than over obstacles in its path, the evident
desire being to endeavour to escape observation as
much as possible.

These antelopes migrate regularly to and from
their winter and summer feeding grounds, and do
not wander permanently to distant localities, except
when persecuted.

The terrible cattle plague known as Rinderpest
killed off large numbers of Kudus, which were
highly susceptible to it, and for a year or two
afterwards their skeletons were frequently found.
A friend came across three skulls of old males, bearing
magnificent horns, when this plague was raging
through the country.

The hide of the Kudu, though unusually thin,
is very tough, and is in great demand by colonists
for making harness and reins. A friend has a set
of Kudu harness which has been in use for over
twenty years, and to-day it is as strong and good as
when he made it.

The flesh of this antelope is most excellent eating,
and the marrow in the bones is delicious.

The female is hornless, although on rare occasions
stunted abnormal horns have been observed on
them.

132

THE KUDU

The Kudu male is as large as a horse, and his
magnificent spiral horns give him a graceful and
majestic appearance ; and there is no finer sight in
Nature than to see a herd bull standing amidst a
mass of boulders with head erect and horns towering
high in the air, listening intently and surveying his
surroundings.

The cry of alarm is described as a loud, roaring
bark somewhat like that of the Bushbuck, but
louder. During the mating season, and when
fighting, the bulls are often heard emitting a grunting
sound.

An adult bull stands from 4 feet 10 inches to 5
feet at the shoulder. The prevailing colour is
pale ashy-brown ; a fringe of long hairs extends
from the head down the middle of the neck and
back to the tail ; and another fringe runs from
the chin down the middle line of the throat to the
chest. Several narrow transverse white lines encircle
the barrel.

The female is smaller than the male, but resembles
it in colour, except that it is often of a browner hue.

In the young animals, the white body-stripes and
spots are more conspicuous and in greater number.

Two local races are found beyond the Zambesi, viz.
the Somali race {Strepsiceros capensis chord), which
differs from the typical form in having only about
five transverse white stripes, instead of nine or ten,
as is usual. The other is the East African race
{Strepsiceros capensis bed).

133

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

THE ELAND

(Taurotragtis oryx)

T'ganna of Hottentots ; Impofu of Zulus, Matabele and Amaxosa ;
Pofu of Basutos and Bechuana ; Ipofu of Makalakas ; Mofu of
Mashonas ; Du of Masarwa ; Insefo of Masubia and Batonga ;
Moju of Galla ; Mpofu of Barotsi and Ngami ; Ntamu of
Waganda ; Msongo of Chilala and Chibisa ; Uschefo of
Macuba ; Pakala of Makua ; Mpofu of Swahili : Bogga of
Sudani ; Musefu of Chila ; Moju of Galla.

The name of Eland was originally given to this
animal by the Voortrekker Dutch colonists in South
Africa, from its fancied resemblance to the European
Elk (A less mac hits), Eland being the Dutch name
of the Elk.

The name Eland for this African antelope is now
in general use. The Eland was once common in
suitable localities in South Africa from the Cape
to the Zambesi. At the present time it exists in
the feral or wild condition on the western border
of Natal amongst the Drakensberg Mountains,
where it is under Government protection. Owing
to their ability to live for considerable periods
without water, they exist in fairly large numbers
in the waterless Kalahari, where hunters rarely
venture. A few still survive in the Portuguese
territory along its southern border, possibly into
Zululand and in Southern Rhodesia. North of the
Zambesi its habitat extends to Angola on the west,
and British East Africa as far as the Tana River

134

THE ELAND

In the east. A few individuals are preserved on
farms in various parts of the Union.

Efforts should be made to domesticate and breed
this large antelope as a food animal, as its flesh is
one of the best of game meats.

The Eland varies in its colour-markings more or
less like most other species of animals that have
an extensive range. For instance, the Eland of
the south is dun-coloured and unstriped ; but
northwards its coat becomes richer in hue, and the
body is marked with white lines. The various local
races into which Elands are divided for convenience
merge so closely one into another that it is a matter
of considerable difficulty to divide them.

The typical race {Taurotragus oryx ty pi cus), which
in former times ranged from the Cape to the
northern zoological boundary, viz. the Zambesi,
is uniform dun colour without transverse white
body-stripes or a dark brown band above the knees.

Up towards the Zambesi the Eland is striped
with narrow but clear transverse white lines on the
body ; and a blackish patch is present on the back
of each fore-leg above the knee in adult bulls. To
distinguish these Elands from the unmarked southern
ones we call them the Zambesi race (Taurotragus
oryx Uvingstonii). This race extends beyond the
Zambesi into the heart of Africa and towards the
east.

In East Africa we Lave another local race {Tauro-
tragus oryx patersonianus) which does not occur

135

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

south of the Zambesi. In this race the sides of
the head are chestnut instead of dark brown, the
tuft on the face is shorter, a white chevron is pre-
sent, and the pasterns are black behind instead of
the usual white. This local race ranges west into
Angola.

A distinct species of Eland exists in the Congo
regions known as Lord Derby's Eland {Taurotragus
derbianus). It differs from the Eland of the more
southern parts of the Continent in possessing large
horns, broader ears, which are truncated at the tips,
and a dewlap beginning at the chin instead of on
the throat, as is the case with the other species.

The Eland is gregarious, and it formerly was
often met with in herds of a couple of hundred or
more, but owing to constant persecution it is now
usually seen in small troops of half-a-dozen to
twenty, of which one or two are adult bulls.

Sometimes the young males run together in small
troops. In South Africa they frequent the open
more or less arid or desert country, such as that of
Bechuanaland and the Kalahari ; and also the
bush-veld and mountainous regions such as the
Drakensberg.

When hunted they invariably retreat to the
mountains, and when frequently molested they
make the mountain ranges their permanent home.

In Rhodesia during the earlier part of the year
the Elands take to the rugged forest and coarse
grass-clad rugged hills, and finding an abundance

136

THE ELAND

of food they get into excellent condition. At
this time they are scattered over the country singly
or in small groups of from a couple to five or six.

Usually about June the natives begin burning
the grass on the high plateaus, and when the young
grass shoots up, the Elands leave the shelter of the
bush-covered hills and wander off over the rolling
veld to graze on it. At these times they fall an
easy prey to the hunter, for they are poor runners,
and can be run down easily by a well-mounted man.
Occasionally a lean Eland is able to out-distance the
average colonial horse.

The old bulls often grow so fat that they can
sometimes be actually run down by a man on foot.
When disturbed the Elands start off at a rapid trot
in single file, and do not break into a gallop until
hard pressed. The younger animals take the lead,
and the herd bulls the rear. They always run
up-wind.

When the grass is young and tender the Elands
feed almost entirely on it ; but at other times their
food consists of the tops of young reeds and the
leaves of trees and shrubs, supplemented by wild
fruits, bulbs and melons.

Although able to subsist without water for long
periods, as is the case in the Kalahari and other
waterless districts, the Eland drinks regularly during
the night and at daybreak when water is available.
They feed principally during the daytime, sheltering
themselves in the shade of trees when the sun's

137

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

rays grow hot. Although so heavy an animal, the
Eland displays wonderful leaping powers, and some-
times when making off they indulge in the pastime
of leaping over one another.

After a gestation period of about eight-and-a-half
months a single calf is produced.

The period of calving differs considerably in the
various districts inhabited by these antelopes.

The Eland breeds freely in captivity and is easily
tamed, becoming as docile as an average ox. Major
Stevenson-Hamilton mentions having kept some of
these animals in a domesticated state. They accom-
panied the horses, donkeys and cattle when going
out to graze in the mornings, and returned with
them at night. On the borders of Natal a friend
kept several which were allowed to roam at will
over the farm. They usually hung around the
homestead, and turned up with clock-like regularity
for their ration of forage or mealies.

A low grunt is the only sound emitted by the
Eland ; but the calves bleat like those of domestic
cattle when alarmed.

An animal dealer in Port Elizabeth regularly
shipped Elands to Europe which he obtained from
Rhodesia. Many of them, although captured when
nearly adult, became tame and docile and almost
affectionate within a couple of months. They
wandered about his large enclosure consorting with
Zebras, Springbucks, Blesbok and other animals.

It is surprising that more serious and sustained

138

THE ELAND

endeavours have not hitherto been made to domesti-
cate and breed these fine animals for profit.

The Eland, knowing its speed limitations, is very
wary and observant. It is usually accompanied by
a little feathered friend known as the Rhinoceros
Bird (Biiphaga), which feeds upon the ticks which
infest its host. These birds climb up and down
and under the body of the Eland with ease and
security, holding on with curved claws specially
adapted for the purpose. The birds are intensely
alert, and on the slightest suspicion of danger they
warn their Eland friends by fluttering their wings
and screaming, whereupon the Elands make off
instantly. After spending hours stalking a troop
of Elands, the hunter is frequently baulked by
these birds which, detecting his approach, raise an
outcry.

The Eland is a timid and harmless animal, and,
unlike the majority of other large antelopes, does
not put up a fight when wounded and overtaken.
The mother Eland will, however, attempt to defend
her calf when attacked and overtaken by dogs.

The hide of the Eland makes tough, durable
leather.

The bull Eland has a strong tendency to grow
bulky and fat, so much so that when chased the
overburdened heart collapses and the animal drops
dead.

The female is smaller than the male ; its neck
is not so robust, and it is minus the dark face brush.

139

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

It is horned ; the horns, although more slender
than those of the male, are longer. A peculiarity
of the horns of the female is their lack of symmetry.
Some have tips turning inwards, others the reverse,
one horn is longer or twisted differently to the
other, and so on.

On the contrary, those of the male are quite sym-
metrical as a general rule.

140

The Kland. This large ox-Hke antelope is easily tamed and would
make a good stock animal.

tel&^i.^.d^>.^.

ji*. i«i^

The Red or Cape Harteheest.

Fyoii! paintings />v Captain II'. Coynwallis Harris, iS^o.

THE AFRICAN BUFFALO

{Bos cajjer)

Qu'araho of Hottentots ; Inyati of Zulus, Matabele and Swazis ;
Nari of Basutos and Bechuanas ; Nadi of Barotse and Ngami ;
Mboa and Nyati of Chilala and Chibisa ; Mbogo and Nyati
of Swahili ; Beva of Hausa ; Gadars of Galla ; Gamus of
Sudani.

The African Buffalo, or Buffcl of the Dutch colon-
ists, formerly inhabited all the woocied and well-
watered districts of Africa, from Somaliland in the
north to the Cape in the south.

At the present time Buffaloes are preserved in
the forest regions of the eastern portions of the
Cape Province, and the game reserves of Zululand
and the Transvaal. A few still exist in the vicinity
of the Sabi River and in Bechuanaland and Rhodesia.
From our northern limit they extend northwards
through the forest regions to Somaliland.

There are a number of local races or sub-species
of Buffaloes. The typical species {Bos caffcr typicus)
occurs in the Eastern Province of the Cape and
Zululand. They are plentiful in the Ad do bush.

The cattle plague known as the Rinderpest
which swept west and south, killed the Buffaloes
in great numbers, destroying entire herds, or leaving
but two or three per cent, to perpetuate their

141

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

species. However, this splendid ox-like animal is
in no present danger of extinction in South Africa
owing to Government protection, and the time will
no doubt come when serious efforts will be made
to domesticate it as a food and draught animal.

In various parts of Africa north of the Zambesi,
where the white hunter rarely penetrates, the
African Buffalo exists at the present time in great
herds.

The few Individuals which the Rinderpest spared
in South Africa have increased considerably in
numbers, and in the Cape Province there should be
at least a couple of thousand. When unmolested
these animals breed as rapidly as domestic cattle.

From the sentimental and aesthetic standpoints,
it is highly desirable to make every effort to preserve
our native wild animals from extinction, but it is
not always desirable from an economic point of
view. We know that plagues which affect our
domestic animals, and even our own species, may be
spread through the mediumship of wild animals.
For instance, we know the part the tick and the
blood-sucking fly play in the transmission of stock and
even human diseases. In order to check the spread
of tick-borne diseases we have been obliged to dip our
stock at regular intervals in special dipping-tanks
to kill the ticks with which they become infested.
In addition, we are careful to control the movements
of our stock by means of fences and Government
regulations. Now, the African Buffalo, for instance,

142

THE AFRICAN BUFFALO

is a host for ticks which cHng to it as readily as
they do to domestic cattle. Buffaloes are as highly
susceptible to any newly-introduced diseases as
are cattle, and this animal may, therefore, easily
be a means of propagating and spreading cattle
plagues. We know also that wild animals in time
become immune to various diseases, and, although
the parasites which cause these diseases live and
thrive in their blood, they do their hosts no harm ;
but when carried by ticks or blood-sucking flies
to the blood of susceptible domestic cattle, they
once again become as virulent as ever. Sleeping
sickness and Tsetse fly or Ngana disease are examples.

The Buffaloes associate in herds of numbers
varying from a dozen to a couple of hundred. The
large herds consist of two or more herd bulls with
cows and calves of varying ages. Small troops
usually consist of one adult bull with cows and calves.

Old males which have been overcome and driven
from the herd by younger rivals, lead a solitary
existence, or join in small troops by themselves.

The Buffalo prefers the bush-veld and slopes
covered with thorny bush, where there is ample
open grassy ground and water within a reasonable
distance. It is only when frequently persecuted
that they make the thick forest their permanent
home.

Like the Eland, the Buffalo is constantly accom-
panied by the Rhinoceros Bird, which is one of the
Starling {Buphaga) group, and the Buffalo Weaver

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

Bird {lexor niger). These little birds feed upon
the ticks which plague these beasts. They act as
sentinels to their hosts, and extremely vigilant ones
they are too. The White Egret (Hcrodias garzettd)
is another bird which is often seen perched on the
backs of Buffaloes, and owing to its long neck
it is able to get an excellent view of the neighbour-
hood, and warns its host of the approach of an
enemy.

Buffaloes usually rest in the shade of trees during
the daytime, and resort to water in the evening to
drink and bathe, after which they feed till about
midnight. Then they rest and chew the cud till
dawn, when they once again resort to water for a
drink before settling down for the day.

They delight to wallow in the muddy pools,
and plaster themselves with mud, finding it, no
doubt, a protection against blood-sucking flies and
other parasites which plague them during the warm
season of the year.

On the advent of the breeding season the adult
males light fiercely with each other, and the van-
quished bulls are driven forth into exile. The
calves are born during the summer months, viz.
from September to March. Selous states they are
born during January, February and March ; and
Major Stevenson-Hamilton says that in the Trans-
vaal Game Reserve and near Gondokoro on the
Upper Nile he has noticed young calves in September
and October.

144

THE AFRICAN BUFFALO

For a period of ten days after birth, the calf is
carefully hidden by the mother in the long rank
grass, and she remains in the near neighbourhood
and visits her little one at frequent intervals. She
then joins the herd with her calf.

In localities where they have not been hunted,
Buffaloes are unsuspicious and easy to approach,
and, indeed, will often stand and gaze at a man, or
even advance in his direction to get a better view
should he intrude into their haunts.

When persecuted, however, they become exceed-
ingly wary and suspicious, and make off in the
wildest alarm on sight of a man.

Much has been said and written about thelierceness
of Buffalo bulls, and the danger of Buffalo hunting.
In the game reserves, where these animals are not
persecuted, they do not show the slightest disposition
to attack a man intruding into their haunts, although
they often stand at a distance and gaze curiously
at him.

In the Addo Bush, in the district of Uitenhage,
there is a fairly large number of Buffaloes. Although
they generally disappear instantly into the tangled,
thorny bush on sight or scent of a man, yet they
have occasionally made unprovoked attacks on men
who had entered the bush in quest of Elephants.
On one occasion a farmer happened on a herd of
fifteen in a large forest glade. The cows made off,
but the herd bull with a snort of rage charged
headlong at him. He fired, and it fell and began

VOL. Ill 145 10

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

to bellow, whereupon an old cow dashed furiously
from cover up to the dying bull, and with a grunt
of rage she, with nose thrust out, charged headlong
at the man. He shot her and fled along a forest
path, fearful lest the entire herd should charge
down upon him.

On another occasion an intruding Elephant
poacher came upon three or four Buffaloes in this
same bush. They vanished, but, knowing their
ways, he advanced cautiously, and caught a glimpse
of a bull standing immovable behind a bush adjacent
to the patch, waiting for him. Needless to say, he
instantly fled in the opposite direction.

Water is scarce in the Addo Bush, and in
times of drought there is none at all, and the
Buffaloes and Elephants are so maddened that they
boldly venture out to the farmer's dams to slake
their thirst. At these times the Buffaloes and
Elephants are apt to become irritable and vicious,
and probably it is only at these times they venture
to make unprovoked attacks on men.

A pedigree imported bull belonging to a farmer
on the outskirts of the Addo Bush wandered off into
it in search of food and was attacked by a bull
Buffalo. The two fought a desperate duel. The
bellowing attracted some farm herds, and the
Buffalo retreated on sight of them. The lordlv
pedigree bull had been so dreadfully pounded by
the Buffalo that it had to be removed in a wagon •
It recovered, but its ribs and shoulders had been

146

THE AFRICAN BUFFALO

so terribly battered that it was but a wreck of its
former self.

One day, when creeping through the Addo Bush
trying to get a glimpse of the elephants, we saw
two old bull Buffaloes in an open space. Focusing
a field-glass on them, it was noticed that they were
smothered with ticks.

When wounded the Buffalo bull is a most dan-
gerous animal to tackle. It is exceedingly tenacious
of life, and when smarting with wounds loses all
sense of fear and boldly charges down on its foe,
and the unmounted sportsman is then in dire peril,
for he must either obtain sanctuary up a tree or
kill the charging animal, for, should he seek to
dodge it amongst the bushes it will hunt him as
industriously as a dog. When once he is overtaken
there is no hope for him. Numbers of over-
venturesome hunters have thus been slain. Some-
times when wounded, a Buffalo bull will instantly
charge ; and at other times it apparently makes off,
but in reality this is but a cunning manoeuvre.
Dodging behind a clump of bushes or concealing
itself amongst them, it watches its foe, and should
he be so foolish as to approach, it suddenly dashes
out and slays him. Even when a Buffalo falls and
lies apparently dead it is not safe to approach
without first lodging another bullet or two into it,
for it sometimes revives sufficiently to jump up
and charge. A wounded Buffalo when dying gives
vent to moaning bellows which can be heard a long

147

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

distance away, and sometimes impresses the hunter
so profoundly that his conscience troubles him for
a long time after.

Buffaloes are good runners, and when seeking
fresh pastures or to escape from enemies they
readily take to water. They swim with only the
eyes, nostrils, a part of the horns and a small portion
of the hindquarters visible above the surface of the
water.

Buffaloes are, as a rule, silent animals, and when
feeding or roaming about, the only sound heard is
an occasional short, low grunt. However, when
attacked by lions, the Buffalo usually bellows like
a frightened ox. The calf, too, when seeking its
mother, cries after the manner of a domestic calf.

When charging, a Buffalo does not lower its head,
but keeps its nose thrust forward and the horns
directed backwards. On reaching the object of its
attack, it makes a vicious side thrust with its horns
and a sudden twist of the head, endeavouring to
impale its foe.

The Lion is the only foe the adult Buffalo fears,
and even this formidable beast is sometimes driven
off and even slain by the bulls.

There are two distinct types of African Buffaloes,
viz. the large African or Cape Buffalo {Bos caffer
typicus) and the dwarf or Congo sub-species or
variety {Bos caffer nanus). Intermediate between
these two there are several local races inhabiting
Africa north of the Zambesi.

148

THE AFRICAN BUFFALO

The African Buffalo stands 5 feet at the shoulder,
and is of about the same size and general bulk and
shape of an ox. The hair is rather scanty and black
in the bulls, and has a brown tinge in the cows.
Calves are reddish, and the hair on them grows
rather thick. It changes to black at about the age
of three years. Very old Buffaloes are hairless.

The Congo or Dwarf variety of African Buffalo
stands 4 feet at the shoulder, and in general appear-
ance they resemble a small breed of cattle. The
colour of the adult is a warm rufous-red, which
changes to a dirty brown on the old bulls. The
calves are of a lighter shade of red than the adults.

149

THE GIRAFFE

{Girajfa cameleopardalis)
Syn. : Girajfa capensis

Naip of the Hottentots ; Tutla of Basuto and Bechuana ; Ihuhla
of Swazis ; Indhlulamiti of Zulus ; Ng'habe of Masarwa ;
Intutla of Matabele ; Luomba ningo of Chilala ; Intutwa of
Chila ; Giri or Halgiri of Somali ; Nyama marakiti of Asenga ;
Vakumin deji of Hausa ; ZaraflF of Sudani.

The Giraffe or Kameel (Camel) of the Dutch
colonists formerly inhabited South Africa north
of the Orange River to the Zambesi. At the
present time it occurs in the northern Kalahari,
Khamas Country, the western portion of Rhodesia
and Portuguese East Africa to the Zambesi. A
number are protected in the Transvaal Game
Reserves, and the Warden, Major Stevenson-
Hamilton, says they have increased considerably
within recent years.

Beyond the Zambesi this species of Giraffe ranges
through Africa into the Sudan and Nubia.

The Giraffe varies in its markings throughout
its extensive habitat, as is but natural, and it has,
in consequence, been divided into several local races
otherwise known as sub-species. The typical form
or species {Girajfa camdcopardaJis) inhabits Nubia.

150

THE GIRAFFE

The local races are :

(i) The Kordofan Giraffe {Giraffa cameleopardalis
antiquorum).

(2) The Baringo Giraffe {G. C. rothschildi).

(3) The Taposa Giraffe (G. C. cottoni).

(4) The Nigerian Giraffe (G. C. pcraltd).

(5) The Congo Giraffe (G. C. congcensis).

(6) The Kilimanjaro Giraffe (G. C. tippelskirchi).

(7) The Angolan Giraffe (G. C. angolcnsis).

(8) The North Transvaal Giraffe {G. C. wardi).

(9) The South African Giraffe (G. C. capensis).

It will thus be noticed that those which inhabit
Africa south of the Zambesi are two local races,
the typical species being a resident of the north of
Africa only.

Giraffa cameleopardalis capensis is the principal
South African race, and the one referred to by most
of the travellers, hunters and others in South
Africa.

The two South African races, including a third
inhabiting Angola, differ from the northern races
in the following ways (there are mounted speci-
mens of the two former in the Port Elizabeth
Museum) :

(i) The legs are spotted to the hoofs.

(2) The body markings are more blotchy, the
centre part being darker than at the edges, which
are ill-defined.

(3) The third " horn " or long forehead promi-

151

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

nence is more or less rudimentary, consisting of a
mere lump or bony swelling.

In the northern local races the third horn is
well-developed, and stands out 3 to 5 inches from
the forehead.

The Giraffe was known from early times, for it
is on record that Julius Caesar exhibited live speci-
mens in Rome. It was first discovered by the
Dutch in South Africa in 1761.

The name Giraffe is stated to have arisen from
the Arabic Zaref or Zarefat.

These strange-looking animals associate in troops
of three or four up to about twenty individuals,
composed of a herd bull with cows, immature males
and calves. Old males, as is the case with other
wild animals, are often observed wandering about
alone.

The Giraffe favours rather dry, open country
where the Kameel dorn {Acacia giraffce) flourishes ;
the leaves of this species of acacia tree are its chief
food. It is only when this source of food-supply
is insufficient that it resorts to the leaves of other
species of trees and shrubs. The Giraffe is purely
a browser. It usually rests during the heat of the
day, and feeds in the early morning and late evening.
When standing immovable amongst the shrubs and
trees of its habitat, the Giraffe is very difficult to see ;
and its long neck, even when clearly in view, can
easily be mistaken for a dead tree-trunk. When
suspicious, it remains perfectly still with head erect

152

THE GIRAFFE

listening intently, and carefully surveying its sur-
roundings. At such times its ears and tail are kept
quite still for fear any movement of them might
betray its presence.

The Giraffe avoids the dense forests.

Although so awkward-looking, the Giraffe is
capable of galloping at a fair speed, giving a well-
mounted rider a good run before he succeeds in
overtaking It. When they gallop they move the
fore- and hind-limbs of the same side at the same
time ; the tail is switched round and curved over
the back ; the head and neck swings in a pendulum-
like way, and the hind-limbs are straddled. When
galloping they remind one of rocking-horses in
motion.

Other than man, the only enemy of the adult
Giraffe is the Lion, which usually lies in ambush at
its drinklng-places. A greater number of females
than males fall a prey to this beast, for the reason
that they resort to water more frequently to drink
than do the males. Two or more lions usually
combine for an attack. When a single lion springs
upon the back of a Giraffe its intended victim at
once gallops off, and often succeeds in shaking off
its foe before it can succeed in inflicting a fatal
injury. The calves are preyed upon by other
carnivorous animals, such as the Leopard, Chita and
Wild Dog.

The Giraffe has no means of defence other than
kicking with its heels. They are mute, but their

153

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

senses of sight, smell and hearing are remarkably
well-developed.

The old bulls give off a most disagreeable, musky,
nauseating odour, which seems to be particularly
overpowering and objectionable to horses.

On an occasion a lion and two lionesses attacked
an old bull Giraffe when he came down to drink.
They succeeded after a rather hard struggle in
pulling him down, but almost immediately left
him and disappeared into the bush, growling and
mumbling, evidently nauseated by the objection-
able smell given off by the old fellow. When feed-
ing, the Giraffe neatly picks off the leaves, seed-
pods and shoots from the branches, one by one,
with its long, flexible tongue.

Although the Giraffe is able to exist for long
periods without water, yet when it is available it
drinks freely and regularly. This power of existing
for long periods without water has been acquired
by all the animals which inhabit the dry desert-
like districts where constantly flowing watercourses
do not exist, and where the rainfall is limited and
irregular.

The female Giraffe, after a gestation period of
about fourteen months, produces a single calf. The
calving time is usually from October to February.
On rare occasions twins have been observed. The
Giraffe is difficult to stalk owing to its ability to
survey its surroundings for a long distance by reason
of its long neck and fore-limbs, which gives its head

THE GIRAFFE

a considerable elevation. It is usually hunted on
horseback.

The hides of these animals are greatly sought
after for making sjamboks, and the lashes of wagon
whips.

Tick Birds (Btipbaga) and Buffalo Weaver Birds
(Texor fiiger) visit the Giraffe and free it of ticks,
rendering their host good service, and also by
acting as sentinels.

A fully adult male Giraffe is able to elevate his
head to a height of i8-J feet, and a female to about
i6 feet.

The Giraffe in captivity is an exceedingly gentle
and inoffensive creature.

When drinking or reaching for food upon the
ground, it is obliged to straddle its long front limbs
wide apart.

155

THE HIPPOPOTAMUS

{Hippopotamus amphibius)

T'gao of Hottentots ; Imvubu of Amaxosa, Zulus, Swazis and
Matabele ; Ikubu of Basutos and Bechuanas ; Macow of
Masai ; Robi of Galla ; Tumunto of M'Kua ; Kiboko of
Swahili ; Moubu of Waganda ; Jir of Somali ; Chivhubwe
of Chila ; Gumari of Abyssinia ; Mourvu of Chilala ; Dul
of Danakil ; Dorina of Hausa ; Girinti of Sudanese.

The Hippopotamus or Zeekoe (Sea Cow) of the
Dutch colonists formerly inhabited practically all
the rivers, lakes and lagoons in South Africa from
the Cape to the Zambesi.

With the exception of about thirty, which still
exist and continue to increase in the Orange River
between the Aughrabies Falls and the sea, they have
disappeared from the Cape Province, Natal and
Free State, and are now confined to the rivers in
the more northern portions of South Africa, where
they are still fairly common. They exist, for
instance, in the Limpopo, Olifants, Sabi, Crocodile,
Komati, Lomati, Usutu and Pongola Rivers. In
fact, from the northern corner of Zululand across
to the Okovango and Ngami Swamps to the Zambesi,
the Hippo still exists in goodly numbers.

In 191 8 an old bull Hippo was shot in the Eteza
Lake in Zululand. The planters on the Umfolozi

156

°j

THE HIPPOPOTAMUS

had been complaining bitterly of its depredations,
and Government gave a permit for the Hippo's
destruction. The bull was of unusual size.

From the Zambesi it is to be found in suitable
localities northw^ards through Africa to the Sahara
Desert and the Nile.

At the Port Ehzabeth Museum we have frag-
ments of bones, tusks and teeth of these animals
from the majority of the districts of the eastern
portion of this province. Some have been found
in river-beds, which have been dry probably for
many centuries. They were evidently abundant
at one time where the city of Port Elizabeth now
stands, for it is a common occurrence to find their
remains from a few feet to 40 feet below the surface
in the vicinity of, and on the beach.

A small spruit, known as the Baakens River, runs
through the city. At some remote time this spruit
was probably a fairly large river, with many deep
pools in which Hippos lived. The complete skeleton
of one, and a portion of another, was excavated within
a hundred yards of the beach at the mouth of this
river, which was formerly a large lagoon.

When excavating kitchen middins at Port Eliza-
beth and adjacent districts, it is also a common
occurrence to dig out Hippo bones, teeth and tusks ;
indicating that probably a pre-bushman race, of which
we now possess evidence, and possibly the Bushmen
and Hottentots hunted and slew these animals.

Mr. T. Liefeldt, who was born in Kaffraria in

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

the early forties, says : " There were a few Hippos
in the lower reaches of the Buffalo so late as '48.
The last was, I believe, shot by an officer of the
1850-53 Kafir War. For some few years after
this, there were a few in the Keiskama mouth, also
old ones in the Kei. In the Umtata mouth there
were some six or eight so late as 1866, if not later,
and In the Umzimvubu (literal translation of which
is ' the home of the Sea Cow'), till later times. I
have found their remains so far inland as Cathcart
and St. Mark's. I was once told of an interesting
Hippo hunt by a centenarian Bushman. It appears
the beast was belated in a small rivulet near the
upper reaches of the White Kei, while searching
for provender, and owing to the limited water-
space was unable to hide himself. All the brothers
and sisters of the clan congregated round the pool,
cut down everything in the shape of thorn-bushes
they could manage, and dumped them into the
pool, thus eventually forcing the unfortunate
leviathan out into the open, where they attacked
him with every possible and available weapon,
sticking his hide full of everything and anything
with a point or an edge to it. Thus men, women
and children followed him for several days and
nights, replacing the weapons in his carcase as fast
as they fell out, eventually bringing him to his
knees, and ultimately to his death, many miles from
where the scrimmage began. There they encamped
and feasted till not a vestige remained."

158

THE HIPPOPOTAMUS

A family of Hippos were preserved in Sea Cow
Lake, near Durban, but owing to complaints by
neighbouring farmers of damage done to their
crops, and to save the trifling cost of fencing, which
was estimated at ;£700, the then Government
allowed them to be destroyed. This was in the
year 1898. At the time I protested most strongly
through the medium of the public Press, and
interviewed public men, but without success. At
one time a solitary bull inhabited this lake. He
disappeared for nearly three years, and reappeared
with a wife and reared a family of three. He
evidently made his way to the sea, and thence up
the coast to the haunts of his kind at St. Lucia
Bay. It is a common practice of these animals to
travel along the sea-shore from one river mouth to
another ; and, no doubt, having first observed them
disporting themselves, and lying about the sands at
the mouth of the rivers, the early settlers dubbed
them Sea Cows. They associate in pairs, and in
herds of sometimes thirty and more, and are aquatic
in their habits, only venturing away from their
watery haunts in search of food.

In localities where they are under Government
protection, and in the remote districts where the
hunter rarely penetrates, they may be seen during
the day lying asleep in shallow water or on the
mud and sand-banks. When persecuted they are
obliged, in self-defence, to give up this pleasant
relaxation and sleep in the deep water, floating with

159

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

only the nostrils above the surface ; or else they lie
at the bottom of a deep pool and rise every five
minutes or so to breathe. Such are the artifices
animals are driven to adopt by man.

When the approach of night makes it safe to
expose themselves, they venture ashore to feed along
tracks trodden thoroughly by their nightly excur-
sions. These tracks are known as " Hippo paths,"
and intersect the reeds and bush in all directions,
radiating from the deep pool which happens to be
their home. They usually confine their rambles
in search of food to within about a mile, but when
food is insufficient for their needs within this
radius, the Hippos will travel several miles if neces-
sary, returning to their watery home before day-
break. Occasionally a Hippo makes an exception-
ally distant excursion, and finding it cannot get
home before daybreak, seeks out the nearest pool,
and conceals itself in it until darkness again makes
it possible for it to travel home in safety. In situa-
tions where they are protected, they become quite
tame, and may frequently be seen wandering about
in search of food during the daytime, or sleeping
in the shade in a huddled-up heap. Their food
consists of young shoots, herbs, grasses, reeds, etc.
They do not eat fruit, or grub for roots or bulbs.
Should there be cultivated lands in the neighbour-
hood of their lair, the Hippos will sooner or later
visit them and do immense damage, for, owing to
their enormous bulk, they are able to eat great

i6o

THE HIPPOPOTAMUS

quantities of vegetable food. Entire fields of corn,
rice, sugar-cane, etc., are sometimes eaten off and
trodden underfoot in a single night. Sometimes
the natives' v^hole crop of corn is eaten up or
spoiled by Hippos, resulting in subsequent famine
in the village.

However, any ordinary, upright, fairly solid fence
is sufficient to keep back a Hippo ; but natives are
proverbially indolent and improvident, preferring
to do the minimum amount of work and trust to
luck.

Many of the rivers in South Africa cease to flow
during the dry season ; and along their courses
there are a good many deep pools in which water
is retained all the year round. In the haunts of
the Hippo these are known as " Zeekoegats "
(Sea Cow holes), which are stated to be deepened
and enlarged by the animals themselves. Although
so bulky and large, an ordinary barbed wire fence of
three strands three or four feet in height will keep
back a Hippo ; and there is, therefore, little or no
excuse for farmers in the neighbourhood of Hippos
to clamour for their destruction on the plea that
they damage their crops.

Before granting permission for the destruction
of any protected wild animal of the country, a
thorough inquiry should be made, or a competent
authority on the subject be asked to investigate
and report.

A Hippo does not give one the impression that it

VOL. Ill l6l II

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

would be expert in the water owing to its awkward-
looking, barrel-like body and stumpy legs devoid
of webbed or even large feet. Nevertheless it is
an expert and rapid swimmer, and is able to make
headway against the strongest currents. A most
remarkable thing about the Hippo is that it is
able to sink itself in deep water and walk along the
bottom, rising to breathe about every five or six
minutes. In this way it eludes its enemies, and
travels long distances up and down the rivers in
safety. This power of walking on the river bottom
is due to its specific gravity being almost equal to
that of water.

During the rainy season, when rivers are running
freely, the Hippos sometimes travel up them to
near their sources. Selous records having observed
one in Rhodesia at an elevation of about 4000 feet
above sea-level. On the approach of the dry season,
the Hippos again retire to the lower reaches and
mouths of the rivers, or to the permanent water
holes or Zeekoegats. When these gats are near to each
other, the Hippos sometimes make a communicating
ditch or trench in the dry river-bed, along which
they travel from one hole to another.

A Hippo can, if hard pressed, remain under water
about four and a quarter minutes.

Although so short-legged and ungainly, the Hippo
can travel on flat ground as fast as an active man
can run.

At the mating season the bulls fight a series of
162

THE HIPPOPOTAMUS

duels for the right to propagate their species. They
attack by biting, and do not attempt to rip, after
the manner of pigs.

After a period of gestation, varying from 227 to
242 days, one calf is produced. The young one is
carried by the mother on her back when in the
water until old enough to look after itself.

When the calves are about to be born, a deep
pool is selected, and should there be crocodiles in
it, they are unceremoniously driven out, the Hippos
knowing full well that they would devour the calves
if permitted to remain.

The Hippo is usually an inoffensive and peaceful
animal, but when wounded or cornered it will show
fight, and with gaping mouth attack men in canoes
and boats. Sometimes a boat is accidentally upset by
a Hippo when it is rising to the surface to breathe.

When the calf is young, the mother Hippo will
often furiously attack any one venturing into her
haunts in a boat, she being under the impression,
probably, that it is some strange animal enemy.

Hippos which have been frequently shot at
become exceedingly shy and timid ; and the sight
of a man is the signal for instant flight or conceal-
ment.

Hippos in protected areas are apt to upset boats
in a spirit of frolic, and sometimes with evil intent.
In any case it is a serious matter to be thrown into
the water, for most of the large African rivers are
infested with crocodiles.

163

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

The Hippo is usually shot from some place of
concealment on the bank. Like most other wild
animals, they often lose their lives owing to curiosity,
which impels them sometimes to put up their heads
to catch a glimpse of a passing boat or a man on the
bank ; and before the head can be withdrawn, they
are often fatally shot through the brain. When
shot in the water the Hippo sinks to the bottom
at once, but after eight or ten hours the carcase
floats owing to the development of gases in its
bowels.

The Hippo gives vent to a deep, grunting roar,
followed by four or five shorter ones in rapid succes-
sion. To those who have never heard the voice of
the Hippo, the noise is usually very terrifying, for
the impression conveyed is that a troop of lions are
close at hand.

A large species of blood-sucking fly often annoys
the Hippo when it lies in the shallows, by attacking
the vulnerable parts where the skin can be pene-
trated by its sharp proboscis.

Major Stevenson-Hamilton tells of three lions
attacking an old bull Hippo on land. He trudged
off with them hanging around and on him, and
plunging into the water, at once rid himself of their
attentions.

A single snap from a Hippo's great jaws would
instantly crush a lion to death. The hide is
fibrous and thick, and even a troop of several lions
would find a bull Hippo a tough foe to tackle.

164

THE HIPPOPOTAMUS

Natives succeed in killing Hippos by harpooning
them from canoes ; a float of light wood or a
bladder is attached to the harpoon by means of a
long cord. This float betrays the exact position
of the animal, and the hunters spear it every time
it rises to the surface to breathe, until it receives
a mortal wound and sinks to the bottom. The
hunters then patiently await the rising of the carcase
some hours later, and tow it to the shore or into
the shallow water.

Another method is to set a trap consisting of a
heavily-weighted spear from a tree branch over a
beaten track, along which the Hippo travels at
night to feed. However, until the introduction of
firearms. Hippos continued to thrive and multiply.

The flesh of the Hippo is excellent, as all writers
who have partaken of it testify. Between the
muscles and the skin there is a layer of fat which
is known as " Zeekoe Speck." This fat must be
salted at once to preserve it, as it rapidly decom-
poses. It is' highly prized by both Europeans and
natives.

The skin of the Hippo is converted into sjamboks,
by cutting off a strip of hide and rounding and
softening it. The Hippo whips or sjamboks are in
great demand by South African farmers. The
teeth furnish a hard ivory, from which dentists
formerly made artificial teeth.

The Hippo is an attractive Zoo animal, and thrives
well if properly cared for. It breeds in captivity.

165

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

The weight of an adult Hippo bull is at least
three tons. The total length 14 feet, and height
at the shoulder averages 3 feet 10 inches. The
Hippo is useful in the economy of Nature in the
wilder districts in keeping down the vegetation
which tends to grow too profusely along the banks
of rivers ; and in clearing the water itself of plants
which would otherwise impede its flow and cause
the river to overflow its banks and spread over the
surrounding country, creating extensive marshes.

A Pigmy Hippopotamus {Hippopotamus lihcricnsis)
inhabits Liberia and the adjacent parts of the
west coast. It is less than half the size of the
typical Hippo, and also differs in other respects.

166

A Ijuar llusli I'lg ;iL hay in the scnil) (jii Mr. Loton Tipper's larni
near I'ort Elizahelh.

■H

Hfl

Hjjjjjlj^^^^^^

BBIIi^viB

Complete skeleton of a Bush Tiger Bosch-vark [rofainochivi-ns ih<r)vpota»ius).

THE BUSH PIG OR BOSCH VARK

(Potamochcerus chceropotamus)

Ingulubi of Zulus, Swazis and Amaxosa.

The Bush Pig inhabits the wooded regions of South
Africa, chiefly on the eastern side from the south-
eastern part of the Cape Province to the Zambesi,
and thence north as far as the Sahara. In British
Central Africa the Bush Pigs are redder in hue
than the typical species, which is the kind so com-
mon in South Africa ; and to distinguish them
they have been named the Nyassa local race (Pota-
mochcerus chceropotamus nyast^).

Bush Pigs are found most abundantly in broken,
hilly, thickly-wooded and watered country. They
lie concealed during the daytime in the thickest
and densest parts of the bush and in reed beds,
and sally forth at night, usually in parties of eight
to a dozen individuals, in search of roots, bulbs
and fruits which constitute their chief diet. When
feeding they turn over the ground after the manner
of domestic pigs, only more thoroughly. A small
troop of Bush Pigs will turn over half-an-acre of
ground in a single night.

When opportunity offers they greedily devour
eggs, young birds, reptiles, insects and carrion j

167

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

and will even kill and devour antelopes when lying
helpless with disease or wounds. Should culti-
vated fields be within a reasonable distance of their
bushy haunts, they will, sooner or later, make
nocturnal raids and do immense damage, for they
are exceedingly wasteful, damaging far more than
they actually eat. Owing to their secretive and
nocturnal habits, it is no easy matter to surprise and
kill them during these raids. They are particularly
fond of Indian corn or mealies when in the " green "
or milky condition. I have seen acres of mealies
absolutely ruined by these Bush Pigs. After a visit
or two by a troop of Bush Pigs, a field of mealies
looks as though a regiment of cavalry had ridden
through it.

Night after night we have lain concealed in pits
or thick scrub watching for them with but in-
different success owing, probably, to their acute
sense of smell. Even with the most ingenious of
traps we seldom scored a success over these wily
pigs.

The Ostrich farmer also suffers at times from
nocturnal raids, for these pigs are exceedingly fond
of ostrich eggs.

Sometimes during the early mornings and about
sundown, and on rainy days, they may be observed
feeding in localities where they are not often hunted.
Occasionally a large troop of fifteen or twenty are
met with. They are common in the dense, thorny
bush in the district of Port Elizabeth, from which

1 68

THE BUSH PIG OR BOSCH VARK

they rarely venture, for they have a profound dread
of man.

An exceptionally large and ferocious old boar is
the leader of a small troop of Bush Pigs at Zwart-
kops near Port Elizabeth, and, although efforts
have been made for several years to hunt him out
of his thorny sanctuary, they have failed every time
with the sacrifice of many dogs. Dogs which are
bold enough to beard him in his retreat, arc in-
variably killed or badly wounded. We have long
coveted this old fellow as a Museum exhibit, but
there is every likelihood he will die a peaceful
death, or be slain by a younger rival.

The young are born about midsummer, viz.
during the months of December and January ; and
a litter usually consists of five or six young ones,
although eight and even nine have been observed.
Bush Pigs are swift of foot, even on the roughest of
ground, and are expert swimmers.

The male Bush Pig is an exceedingly plucky
animal, and when surrounded or brought to bay
by dogs, he faces his foes and grimly and silently
fights until death overtakes him. A boar is im-
mensely strong for his size, and is capable of using
his large tusks with the maximum effect. In a
combat with an old boar, our casualties were five
dogs killed and four wounded, and a Zulu had his
thigh ripped open. When pulled down by the
pack, with a last expiring effort, he made a terrific
side-thrust and disembowelled a dog, slitting it up

169

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

as effectually as a man might have done with a
knife.

These pigs arc very tenacious of life.

The flesh is coarse and lean, but when food is
abundant during the rainy season, it considerably
improves in quality.

The natives hunt the Bush Pig with a number of
dogs. Each native is armed with a stabbing assegai ;
and should a boar charge, the native leaps nimbly
aside and drives the long blade of his spear deep
into the animal between the shoulders. It requires
considerable skill and expertness to escape the
terrific upward sweep of the boar's tusks, and at
the same instant deliver a fatal stab. The usual
way with Europeans is to get natives with dogs to
drive the pigs out of their dense cover, and shoot
them when they show themselves in the open
spaces. Owing to the tangled, thorny bush and
broken ground of their habitat, it is impossible to
successfully hunt them on horseback.

An adult boar stands about 2^ feet at the shoulder,
and a sow 2 feet. The weight of a boar averages
from 150 to 170 lbs. Occasionally exceptionally
large boars are met with. Kirby shot one which
weighed 235 lbs., measured 5 feet 3 inches in '
total length, and stood 2 feet 10 inches at the
shoulder.

The body of the Bush Pig is covered with rather
long, coarse hair which is fairly thick, and varies in
colour from blackish-brown to brownish-red, and

170

tgrft^^^ J

A calf of the Cape Buffalo, from Addo Bush near Port Elizabeth.

[See pa«e 141]

A Wart Hog Boar. [See page 172]

With a swift rush and a powerful upward stroke he drives one of his
great curved tusks deep into his foe.

THE BUSH PIG OR BOSCH VARK

grey or a mixture of all these colours. Mottled
brown and pale grey is a common hue. The face
and mane are grizzled, a black spot is usually present
below the eye ; ears with tufts of long hair at their
tips. The adult boars have strong tusks which jut
out at the sides when the mouth is closed ; and a
pair of callosities or horn-like swellings of the skin
below the eyes. The young are striped rather
handsomely with yellow. North of the Zambesi,
in British Central Africa, these pigs are uniform
brownish-red and form a distinct local race, viz.
the Nyassa race already referred to.

The Bush Pig can easily be distinguished from
the Wart Hog of South Africa by (i) its longer
and thicker hair, (2) pencilled tufts at the tips of
the ears, (3) the smaller size of the tusks. It is a
more noisy animal than the Wart Hog, and squeals
and grunts after the manner of a domestic pig.
Moreover, when running it holds both its head and
tail low ; the Wart Hog, on the contrary, holds its
head and tail erect when running.

In West Africa, beyond the Zambesi, the Bush
Pig is replaced by the River Hog {Potamochcrrus
forcus). It is more brightly coloured than its
southern cousins.

171

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

WART HOG OR VLACKTE-VARK

{PhacochcBTus oethiopicus)

Kaunaba of Hottentots ; Kolobe of Bechuana ; Indaigazana of
Swazis and Zulus (sometimes Inhlovudawana of the latter,
which means " little substitute for the Elephant ") ; Ikulubi
of Basuto ; Njiri of natives of Lower Zambesi (Chilala and
Chibisa) ; Ngolobwi of Barotse and Ngami ; Ngron of M'Kua ;
Shaukoli of Chila ; Gado and Darunga of Hausa ; Halluf of
Sudani ; Karkari of Somali.

The Wart Hog inhabits Africa from Abyssinia and
Somaliland in the north to the Orange River in
the south. In the early days of the colonisation
of South Africa it was met with on the eastern
side of the Cape Province, but it is now extinct
south of the Orange River. In South Africa it is
still found in the wilder parts of Zululand, Portu-
guese Territory, Transvaal, Rhodesia, Damaraland
and Bechuanaland.

The Wart Hog favours lightly-forested, open
country, and thick thorn-brakes ; but shuns the
densely-forested tracts, and is never found far from
water.

They usually associate in family parties of two
or three sows and their young, or a boar and sow
with her last litter. When the young are about
half-grown, the boar withdraws his protection, and
leads a solitary existence until the next breeding
time. The young pigs run with the mother until
the next season's litter are about to be born, when

172

WART HOG OR VLACKTE-VARK

they are chased off and lead an existence independent
of her.

Three to four young ones is the average number
in a htter.

Kirby mentions having often seen six or eight
youngsters accompanying a single sov^. He suggests
that possibly the surplus may have been adopted,
their own mother having fallen a prey to some
carnivorous animal, a hunter, or met with a fatal
accident.

Although ths Wart Hog only possesses four teats,
we cannot from this infer that four young ones
would necessarily be the limit at a birth. I have
known many instances of domestic pigs producing
young in excess of the number of teats.

The period of gestation is slightly over four
months, and, according to Major Stevenson-
Hamilton, the young in the Transvaal are usually
born in October.

The little ones are remarkably active, and when
but a week old can usually outdistance even a
native. It is an interesting sight to see the
youngsters bolt away with head up and tail
erect.

Wart Hogs conceal themselves during the day-
time in the midst of dense patches of tangled
scrub, in wooded dongas, or preferably in the
deserted holes of Aard-Varks and Porcupines. The
Wart Hog when entering such a hole retires into
it backwards, so as not to be taken at a disadvantage

173

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

in case of attack. These holes are often enlarged
to suit the requirements of the animal. The sow,
for obvious reasons, prefers such a burrow to dense
scrub to bring forth her young.

On the approach of evening the Wart Hogs
emerge from their lairs and feed throughout the
night and early morning, and sometimes during
the daytime in cloudy weather, and in localities
where they are unmolested by man. Their food
consists of grass, roots, bulbs, wild fruits, berries,
shoots and the soft bark of shrubs and branches.
They do not turn up the soil so freely as their Bush
Pig relatives, nor do they raid cultivated fields
except on exceptional occasions, for they have
such a wholesome dread of man that when he
appears and settles down in their habitat they
desert the neighbourhood. This is a wise pre-
caution, for, owing to the open nature of the
country they favour, it would be an easy matter
for a hunter with dogs to exterminate them.

The Wart Hog when alarmed or pursued make
off at a fast trot, seldom breaking into a gallop.
The hole of an Aard-Vark is a possession highly
valued by a Wart Hog, and many lights take place
for them.

When pressed by a hunter and his dogs, or by
a pair of Ratels or by Cape Hunting Dogs, the
Wart Hog makes for his hole, if he is fortunate
enough to possess one, and entering backwards is
ready to give battle to any enemy which might be

174

WART HOG OR VLACKTE-VARK

bold enough to enter. When brought to bay in
the open the Wart Hog fights boldly. We cornered
an old boar one day in a blind donga. He charged
at the dogs, threw two high into the air, and in
rushing past a burly native gashed his leg horribly.
On another occasion, a Zulu in endeavouring to
spear a boar slipped and partly fell, and before he
could recover himself the pig ripped open his
abdomen. Another was seriously wounded by
foolishly approaching a shallow hole in which the
pig was hiding. It came out with a rush, and, in
passing, seriously wounded the native with a power-
ful swing of its tusk. The sow will turn and fight
bravely in defence of her young. One day a sow
and four young ones were startled from cover, and
a dog gave chase. Whenever the young pigs lagged
behind the sow stopped and dashed at the dog,
chasing it some little distance before rejoining her
family. When hard pressed, the youngsters en-
deavour to conceal themselves by crouching in the
grass or undergrowth.

Major Stevenson-Hamilton relates an instance of
having seen a female Wart Hog charge an adult
male Leopard which had attempted to carry off
one of her litter. The Leopard fled, closely pursued
for about thirty yards, and then sprang into a
tree, spitting and snarling, but showing no inclination
to descend.

Lions and Leopards prey largely on Wart Hogs,
attacking them from the rear to avoid contact

175

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

with the formidable tusks which these pigs possess.
An old boar in combat is usually a match for a
Leopard, and the latter is never over-anxious to
attack one.

When running, the Wart Hog, unlike its cousin
the Bush Pig, holds its head up and its tail erect.
When progressing at a swift trot, the tufted tip
of the tail droops over and wobbles about ; but
when standing on the alert, the tip of the tail is
perpendicular or nearly so.

Wart Hogs have keen senses of smell and hearing,
but the eyesight is comparatively poor.

Sometimes old boars are observed feeding with
Zebras and Antelopes, but they are usually at a
little distance from them, and not in the midst of
the troop.

The flesh of this animal varies in palatability
according to age and the season of the year. When
the animal is old or lean from lack of sufficient food,
the flesh is rather dry and tasteless ; but when food
is abundant during the rainy season, the flesh re-
sembles the best pork.

The name Wart Hog is derived from the presence
of two pairs of large wart-like excrescences situated
on the sides of the face between the tusks and the
eyes, and below the eyes.

The body is sparsely covered with coarse bristles,
except along the middle of the back, where they are
abundant and about a foot in length. The pre-
vailing colour varies from blackish to pale brown.

176

WART HOG OR VLACKTE-VARK

The height at the shoulder averages 30 inches, and
weight about 210 lbs.

The female is smaller than the male, and the
warts and tusks are not so prominent. The young
animals are usually reddish-brown without stripes
or spots.

A local race or sub-species {Phacochoerus athiopicus
africanus) exists in Abyssinia and Somaliland. It is
known to the Somali natives as the Dofar.

VOL. Ill 177 12

THE QUAGGA

{Equus quagga)

The Quagga is now extinct. It formerly roamed
over the plains of the Cape Province and the Orange
Free State in large herds. It was a purely South
African Zebra, for its range only extended from
the central plains of the Cape, and over the vast
veld of the Orange Free State. It does not seem
to have wandered north of the Vaal River or east
of the Kei.

It was hunted and shot down in a most merciless
manner by the Voortrekkers, and was finally ex-
terminated in the Cape about the year i860. The
last of which there is any record were shot near
Tygerberg in the Aberdeen District in 1858. A
few individuals survived until about the year
1878 in the Free State. A live Quagga was ex-
hibited in the London Zoological Gardens. It was
presented by Sir George Grey in 1858, and lived
for six years, dying in June 1864. It is now
mounted and on exhibition at the British Museum.
Mounted specimens are also on exhibition in the
Edinburgh and Tring Museums in Britain, and in
the Paris, Berlin, Frankfort, Mainz, Basle and
Berne Museums in Europe. The Cape Town

178

The extinct Qiiagga [Eqitiis (jiiai^ga).

The last of its race. It was presented to the Zoological Societ}' of London
by Sir George Grey in 1858. It survived for six 3'ears, dying in June, 1864.

Foal of a Mountain Zebra [Equiis zebra) prematurely l)iirn May, 1909.
It.s shews a strong tendency to reversion to a donkey-like ancestral
type. The stripes are black, and the body colour a warm brown.

THE QUAGGA

Museum has a young foal, and the Bloemfontehi
Museum the skin of an adult.

The Quagga associated in herds of fifteen to
about thirty individuals, and roamed over the vast
inland plains, usually in the company of the wild
Ostrich and Black Wildcbceste.

Although in the Orange Free State herds of
Burchell's Zebras grazed upon the plains in the
early days of the civilisation of South Africa, the
Quagga always seemed to keep apart from them.
These animals were capable of domestication, and
colonists frequently trained them to go in harness.
A pair were taken to England, and it was a common
sight to see them being driven about Hyde Park in
a phaeton.

A local animal dealer received a letter from a
man in South- West Africa who alleged there were
real Quaggas in the hills in his neighbourhood. He
asserted in most positive terms that they were
genuine Quaggas, and not Burchell's or Mountain
Zebras, and gave a minute description of them. I
read the letter carefully, and his description un-
doubtedly related to the true Quagga. He offered
to capture some for a price. The animal dealer
endeavoured, without success, to obtain a permit
from the authorities, authorising him to capture a
few " Zebras." He subsequently took a shipload
of Zoological specimens to Europe, and it was his
intention while there to endeavour to get per-
mission to enter South-West Africa with a permit.

179

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

I naturally urged him on all I could, knowing what
a sensation the discovery of a few survivors of the
once numerous race of Quaggas would cause. The
war, however, broke out shortly after, and the
investigation was held up.

I am now endeavouring to secure, through two
well-known hunters in the South-West Protectorate,
a skin and skull of one of these alleged Quaggas with
a view to settling the question one way or the other.

The name Quagga comes from the Hottentot
name which imitated the cry of the animal. To
distinguish it from the Zebra or Wilde Paard (Wild
Horse) the Voortrekker Dutch called it Wilde Esel
or Wild Ass.

Like the true Zebra, the Quagga resisted capture
with both teeth and heels, and early writers mention
instances of natives being killed, or pieces bitten out
of them by wounded stallions.

The Quagga was the first of South Africa's large
fauna to become extinct, for the reason that it was
a dweller of the plain, and its range was very limited.
The Voortrekkers shot these animals to provide
meat for their Hottentot and other native servants,
and also for the skins, which made excellent leather
for veldschoens (home-made shoes). The skin was
also used for making large bags or sacks, in which
they stored dried fruits and biltong.

An old Dutchman told me that his father and
several uncles made their living solely by shooting
Quaggas, Zebras and large antelopes, and selling

i8o

THE MOUNTAIN ZEBRA

their hides. In this way his father accumulated
about ^5000, which he invested in a large farm
and stock.

Thumberg, a European traveller in the Cape,
relates that he saw Quagga on the veld near Zwart-
kops River, and around about the site where Port
Elizabeth now stands. The Quagga was of about
the same shape and size as a Burchell's Zebra. An
adult male averaged 4 feet to 4 feet 6 inches at the
shoulder, and measured 8 feet 6 inches in extreme
length. The head was light brown or bay colour ;
neck and upper parts of the body dark rufous-brown,
gradually fading to fulvous on the sides, and white
beneath and behind. The limbs and tail were pure
white.

The Quagga, apart from its general coloration,
differs from the true Zebra by being striped on the
head, neck and shoulders only. The striping behind
the shoulders fades away into spots and irregular
blotches.

THE MOUNTAIN ZEBRA

{Equus zebra)

The Mountain Zebra, or Wildepaard of the Boers,
is, as its name implies, an inhabitant of the moun-
tain ranges. It was formerly common amongst
the mountains of the Cape Province, and in similar
situations in South- West Africa. On the advent of
the European colonist to South Africa, these Zebras

181

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

were quite common in all the hilly districts of the
Cape ; but thanks to the wholesale and indiscriminate
shooting indulged in by the colonists, this beauti-
ful and harmless animal has been reduced to a few
comparatively small troops. These exist amongst
the rugged and often almost inaccessible mountains,
such as the Cedarberg in Piquetberg, the Rogge-
veld in Sutherland, the Swartberg between Prince
Albert and Oudtshoorn, the mountains in George,
the Sneeuwberg in Graaf Reinet, the Winterhoek
in Uitenhage, and amongst the mountain ranges of
Cathcart and Cradock.

Owing to the recent stringent enforcement of
the Government regulations prohibiting the destruc-
tion of the Mountain Zebra, this animal has in-
creased considerably in the mountain districts of
the Cape. In some mountain ranges where there
was formerly only, one small troop, there are now
several troops. Much public revenue could be
obtained if the wild animals of the country were
judiciously bred and sold to the various Zoological
Gardens throughout the world.

A few Mountain Zebras probably still exist in
South-West Africa, but there cannot be many, for
the Hottentots of those parts are keen hunters and
good shots, and have, ere this, accounted for most, if
not all, of these Zebras in the mountain parts of
South-West Africa.

For many years past considerable numbers of
these Zebras have been captured alive and shipped

182

THE MOUNTAIN ZEBRA

to Europe hy various animal dealers. One, of my
acquaintance, has so far sent about fifteen. When
catching them for this purpose a good many are
accidentally killed, drop dead from exhaustion, or
succumb a week or two after capture. The Moun-
tain Zebra runs in small troops of three or four to
about ten individuals, and feeds upon grass and the
stunted shrubs which thrive upon the mountain
sides.

When feeding or resting, one of the troop occupies
an adjacent elevation and acts as a sentinel, giving
the alarm with a shrill neigh. In situations where
they are not persecuted, such as those on some farms,
a sentinel is not posted.

The Mountain Zebra is not one of those animals
which has taken to the high rugged mountains owing
to constant persecution by man, but apparently, like
the Khpspringer, it has made the high mountains
its home for preference.

These Zebras feed during the early morning,
evening, and at night ; resting during the heat of the
day under the shade of a tree, in a kloof, or on the
shady side of the mountain beneath overhanging
rocks. They venture down into the valleys at night
to drink, but are always back in their mountain home
before dawn. The Mountain Zebra is a short,
compact, sturdy little animal, with the toughest
and hardest of hoofs.

Although it does not possess the springing powers
of the Khpspringer antelope, this Zebra rivals it in

183

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

mountain climbing. It gallops about the tops and
sides of the rugged and precipitous mountain sides
with apparently the same degree of ease as a horse
upon the veld.

When alarmed or chased, they will gallop at break-
neck speed in a perfect abandonment of recklessness
up or down the steep, narrow, boulder-strewn
mountain paths. Such truly astounding powers
of endurance, surefootedness and sense of balance
can only have been evolved after long ages of
mountain life. The Mountain Zebra could, with
advantage, be domesticated and used as a pack
animal for mountain work, such as is often required
in military expeditions, for it possesses the climbing
powers of the wild goat, and the stamina of a
donkey.

A troop of Mountain Zebras consists of mares,
foals, and one adult stalHon. When the young males
reach maturity, they are driven from the troop by
the leader until his strength is on the wane, owing to
increasing age or accident, when he is in turn driven
forth or slain.

When a troop increases beyond half-a-dozen to a
dozen individuals, it splits up, some of the mares
going off with a young male ; for these animals are
well aware that the scanty vegetation of their bleak
mountain home is insufficient for the maintenance
of a large troop.

When endeavouring to capture the Zebras alive,
it is a sheer waste of time and energy to endeavour

184

THE MOUNTAIN ZEBRA

to run them down on the mountain tops. The way
I have seen them caught is as follows :

After locating a troop of Zebras, about a dozen
mounted men made a wide detour and formed a
semicircle behind them, and with yells, cracking of
whips and revolver-shots, the animals were driven
on to the slopes, where half-a-dozen well-mounted
men were concealed. At the right moment these
dashed out in pursuit, while the others guarded the
passes up the mountains. The chase taxes the
endurance of a good horse to the utmost. The
exhausted Zebra is eventually run down, a noose
is slipped over its head from the end of a six- or eight-
foot stick, and when the quarry falls half strangled,
a stout headstall is slipped on the head. It is then
led off between two mounted men, each of whom
has a rope tied to his saddle, the other end being
secured to the headstall on the Zebra. A third man
rides behind, and urges the captive on with a whip.

Zebras when hunted in this way often fall dead
from exhaustion, or break their necks or legs in their
desperate struggle for liberty. A stallion which was
captured in the mountains in George District was
confined in a small stone kraal, and, at a standing
leap, cleared the wall, which was exactly six feet
in height, without touching the top.

The Mountain Zebra has the reputation of being
an untameable beast, and authors for a long time past
have handed down this statement, which is untrue
as far as my experience goes. When adult mares

185

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

are captured and kindly treated, they become quite
tame in a month or two, so much so that when
released in an enclosure they graze as unconcernedly
as a domestic horse, and can be driven back into the
stable without difficulty.

An animal dealer in Port Elizabeth tamed them
so thoroughly that they used to follow him about
the paddock. One was trained to the saddle, and
his little son of ten years rode it.

The immature males were equally docile.
Stallions were more difficult to tame, but even
they became quite tame within a few months,
and after about a year could be trained to the
saddle. Old stallions, however, are practically un-
tameable, and for some months after capture they
are very vicious, advancing with teeth bared in a
most menacing manner. I noticed they always used
their teeth for defence or attack, and not their heels,
as is usual with the horse tribe. A farmer acquaint-
ance had a fine donkey stallion maimed by a Mountain
Zebra stallion. The latter had been leading a soli-
tary existence, and for several days he had been
endeavouring to gain the affections of some donkey
mares on the hillside. The donkey stallion resented
this, and attacked him, but was so badly bitten that
he had to be shot to put him out of his misery. On
this same farm a solitary old Zebra stallion used to
pay nightly visits to the crops, leaping over the
barbed-wire fences and stone walls with ease. One
moonlight night he was surprised in a field of corn,

i86

'I'lic Miiuntain Zcl)r;i. The small antelope is a Klipspiiiiger.

The Girafl'e. [Seepage 150]

l-'roiit paintings by i'.a/ttain W. Corinrnl/is Hiiri is, iS^n.

THE MOUNTAIN ZEBRA

and in his hurry to escape dashed into a wire fence,
turned a somersauh over it and broke his neck.

Old stalHons when captured often refuse to eat,
and die of exhaustion, or what is commonly known
as a " broken heart." How could it be otherwise
with an animal which all its life had been as free as
the birds of the air up in the mountain fastnesses,
and leader of a troop, to be suddenly captured,
tethered and confined in a stable ?

The mare Zebras breed freely with donkey stal-
lions, but the hybrids are not fertile. Donkey mares
also breed from Zebra stallions.

I once saw a troop of Mountain Zebra mares,
donkey mares and hybrid foals led by a Zebra
stallion which had been captured young and reared
in captivity.

A year or two ago as much as ^^300 each was
obtained for Mountain Zebras from Zoological
Garden authorities in Europe by an animal dealer.

The period of gestation of this Zebra is about
twelve months. The foal is similar in shape and
size to that of an ordinary donkey, and is covered at
birth with rather long, woolly fur.

For many months after capture it is necessary to
feed and look after the Mountain Zebras with the
greatest care, and the diet should consist of hay,
dry lucerne and forage principally. A sudden change
to green, succulent diet often proves fatal. They
suffer considerably from bots, and many in the wild
condition die of exhaustion from this cause. Bots

187

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

are the larvce of a species of fly. They attach them-
selves to the inner walls of the stomach.

The Mountain Zebra stands about forty-eight
inches, viz. tw^elve hands, and is smaller than the
other South African species, viz. Burchell's Zebras,
and can easily be distinguished from them by the
following points :

(i) The hairs along the withers and haunches are
reversed.

(2) No forelock is present on the forehead.

(3) Ground colour of body varies from ochre-
yellow to pure white. Body fully striped, the
stripes not extending round the barrel. Feet striped
to the hoofs.

(4) Ears long and ass-like.

(5) A gridiron pattern of transverse bars on the
haunches.

A troop of Mountain Zebras exist on the tops of
some rugged hills on a certain gentleman's estate in
the district of George in the Cape Province. A
hunt was organised, and the party, mounted on
good horses, succeeded in detaching a mare from
the troop. They headed her down to the foot of the
mountain and captured her. The following day
she was brought in to Port Elizabeth, and within a
week gave birth to a premature foal. This was in
May 1909. The foal was still-born about a month
before the normal time. Instead of being yellowish-
white and fully striped, as is usual with the full-time
foals of Mountain Zebras, its body colour was Hght

188

BURCHELL'S ZEBRA

brown, becoming paler on the limbs and darker on
the head. The illustration of this foal shows up the
black stripes, which are comparatively few in number.
A cross between a donkey stallion and a Zebra mare
would produce a hybrid more or less similar to this
foal. But it happens this mare did not come in
contact with any donkeys. It was one of a troop
of wild Zebras living on the crest of a range of high,
stony mountains. The troop does not scatter, and
any donkey stallion which might have had the
courage to venture into the haunts of these Zebras
would have been bitten and kicked to death by the
Zebra stallion leader of the troop. This is no theory :
I know it to be so from observation. Should a
donkey ■ stallion appear in sight, the Zebra leader
will leave the troop and give chase and kill his
would-be rival. In this particular instance, the
troop of Zebras lived on the distant mountains, and
the nearest donkeys were on a farm many miles
away. There can be little if any doubt that this
foal is a reversion to a donkey-like ancestral type.

BURCHELL'S ZEBRA

(Equus burchelli)

Iqwara of Amaxosa ; Idube of Zulus and Swazis ; Makwa of
Basutos ; Pcetsee of Bechuanas.

Burchell's Zebra, or Quagga, as it is generally
called by colonists, inhabits all parts of South Africa

189

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

north of the Orange River from Zululand in the
east, across to South-West, and north to our Zoo-
logical boundary, the Zambesi. North of this river
it extends as far as the Egyptian Sudan.

A few specimens w^ere brought from the Trans-
vaal some years ago, and liberated on Mr. Struben's
farm "Tafelberg," in the Middelburg Division of
the Cape Province. They have since increased to a
troop of about thirty. Ten of these were captured
and disposed of, leaving a troop of twenty, which
are doing well and increasing steadily in number.

Burchell's Zebras formerly existed in immense
numbers on the upland plains of South Africa in
troops of fifty to a hundred and more. This beauti-
ful animal, as well as the other inhabitants of the
Karoo and grass-veld, were subsequently slaughtered
in a wholesale way by the early travellers and
colonists.

However, owing to Government restrictions, and
the establishment of Game Reserves, this Zebra has
been saved from the fate of its relative the Quagga.

Burchell's Zebras are very sociable, and when
unmolested they congregate in great herds. In
East Africa it is a common sight to see a herd of
over a thousand Zebras grazing upon the plains,
and smaller troops dotted about in the distance,
sometimes as far as the eye — aided by a tele-
scope— can see. Dotted about here and there
amongst them are various species of antelopes
feeding peacefully.

190

A sub-species of BurchelTs Zebra (mare and foal) from the mountains in
the Middelburg Division of the C!ape Province.

?^> /^-

tflte.-*-^-^ -Aj-* *,-'

t'.<.'»-«si''^iwnj»'aBrai |

Another mare and d li

il liurcheirs Zeljra.

BURCHELL'S ZEBRA

In the Game Reserves of Zululand and the
Transvaal, these Zebras are increasing at a rapid
rate. Now that they are free from persecution by
man in these areas, they are gradually resuming
their former sociable habits ; and instead of scattering
about the country in family parties, they are coming
together and forming herds.

When persecuted. Zebras take to the broken,
stony, hilly country and bush-veld, and only venture
upon the open plains during the hours of darkness.
When persistently persecuted, they resort to the
boulder-strewn mountain ranges.

They usually drink at night or in the early hours
of the morning, but in the Game Reserves, where
they are free from molestation, they may often be
seen going to water during the daytime.

According to Major Stevenson-Hamilton, the
gestation period varies between eleven and thirteen
months. The foals are born during the early summer
months, viz. from August to the end of October, or
early November.

The Lion is the most dreaded of the Zebra's natural
enemies. They usually lie in ambush at the
drinking places. Knowing this habit of their arch-
enemy, the Zebras, in lion-infested districts,
approach the water with extreme caution, ready on
the instant to wheel about and make off at full speed.
In any case, the moment their thirst is quenched,
they gallop away to the open ground.

The mare Zebras tend to grow exceedingly fat,
191

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

much more so than the stalHons. The fat is of a
rich yellow colour, which is much relished by the
natives, but is unpalatable to most Europeans.
Sometimes the fat accumulates to the depth of an
inch over the quarters of the animals.

European hunters do not, as a rule, care for the
flesh of Burchell's Zebra, except that of the im-
mature animal, which, when freed from the rich
yellow fat, is fairly good. It is sweetish in taste,
like the flesh of its relative the horse.

In districts where they have not been persecuted
by man, Burchell's Zebras exhibit intense curiosity.
Travellers tell of herds of them coming up to within
one hundred or even fifty yards, even venturing
up to their horses and donkeys, and staring and
sniffing at them.

The call or cry of this species of Zebra is a sharp
kwa-ha-ha, repeated several times. Their speed is
not great, and a well-mounted man on open ground
can run them down after a fairly hard chase. The
Boers, in the past, often captured them alive by
riding them down, then, coming up alongside, a
noose, held on the end of a long stick, was slipped
over the victim's head. When first captured they
bite and kick in a most vicious manner, and several
men are often required to lead away a single Zebra.
When thoroughly subdued and kindly treated,
Burchell's Zebra becomes as tame and docile as a
horse, and can be trained to harness and to the
saddle. I have frequently seen them grazing in the

192

BURCHELL'S ZEBRA

fields with horses and donkeys, and returning with
them to the kraals at sunset. Tame Zebras are often
utilised as draught animals for carts, wagons and
carriages. After a few generations of domestication,
there is no reason why these Zebras should not
become as reliable as average horses and donkeys.

When taken into captivity and trained to harness,
the Zebra naturally cannot compete in endurance
with the horse or donkey, whose ancestors for
thousands of generations have been building up and
transmitting " staying " power along these lines.
The Zebra is immune from that dreaded scourge
known as " horse sickness," and to Nagana or
Tsetse fly disease as well.

Zebras are often infested with intestinal worms,
and when restricted to limited areas such as farms,
an entire herd often becomes so badly infested by
these worms that the majority die.

There is every probability that sometime in the
future. Zebras will become a common domestic
animal in South Africa, especially in horse sickness
and nagana disease areas.

A serum could probably be obtained from them
for the treatment of these diseases.

A local animal dealer procured several Burchell's
Zebras from a farm in the Middleburg Division of the
Cape Province. Two of these gave birth to foals
in October. These foals were prematurely born,
apparently two to three weeks before the normal time.
They were beautifully striped, and exactly similar in

VOL. Ill 193, 13

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

their markings to the mothers ; the hair was close
and smooth, and the edges of the black stripes were
clearly defined. Three weeks later, another mare
gave birth to a normal period foal. The little
creature was decidedly longer in the limbs than the
immature ones, and the body was covered with
yellowish woolly fur, at least an inch in length.
The stripes were present, as in the adult, but were
not clear cut or sharply defined, owing to the
fuzziness of the long, woolly hairs. This foal was
born during the first week in November.

These Tafelberg Zebras agree in every detail
with Mr. W. L. Sclater's description of the sub-
species Equus hurchelli selousi (Selous Zebra) with
the exception that a narrow white line about a
quarter of an inch in breadth separates the hoofs
from the black band round the lower part of the
fetlock.

Owing to dissimilarities in the striping, Burchell's
Zebras have, so far, been divided into six local races
in South Africa, viz. :

(i) Burchell's Zebra {Equus hurchelli typicus).

(2) The Damaraland Zebra {Equus hurchelli
antiquorum).

(3) The Transvaal Zebra {Equus hurchelli trans-
vaalensis).

(4) Wahlberg's Zebra {Equus hurchelli zvahlhergi).

(5) Chapman's Zebra {Equus hurchelli chapmani).

(6) Selous Zebra {Equus hirchelli selousi).

(7) Crawshay's Zebra {Equus hurchelli crawshayi).

194

BURCHELL'S ZEBRA

The typical species is either extinct or almost so.

These local races merge almost imperceptibly
one into the other, making the separation of them
into distinct sub-species a matter of considerable
difficulty.

The following are the chief points of difference on
which Burchell's Zebras have been divided into
various sub-species. This key of the sub-species
is taken from The Fauna of South Africa, by W, L.
Sclater.

Key to the Sub-species

A. Barrel stripes not reaching the ventral longitudinal stripe.

{a) Legs white and unstriped from their junction with body.

Eqtius burchclli burchclli.
(b) Legs slightly striped as far as the knees and hocks.

Equus burchclli antiquorum.

B. Barrel stripes meeting the ventral longitudinal stripe.

{a) Shadow stripes extending to neck, where they are very
plain, lower portion of legs but slightly marked.

Equus burchclli transvaalcnsis.
(b) Shadow stripes only on quarters, very strong and distinct,
fetlocks and pasterns unstriped and unspotted.

Equus burchclli zvahlbcrgi.
{c) Shadow stripes on quarters faint and narrow.

(i) Stripes on the lower part of the' leg showing a tendency
to become obliterated, pasterns not continuously black.

Equus buTchelli chapmani.
(ii) Legs strongly striped to the hoofs ; fetlocks and
pasterns continuously black. Equus burchclli selousi.
{(I) No shadow stripes. Equus burchclli crawshayi.

Burchell's Zebras vary considerably in their
markings in the same herd, and in consequence it
will, I think, be found, on further and more exten-
sive investigation, that the majority, if not all, of

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

the so-called sub-species or local races are merely
individual variations.

It seems to me there are only two good local races,
viz. those with the black barrel stripes not reaching
the ventral longitudinal stripe ; and those in which
all the black barrel stripes meet the ventral longi-
tudinal stripe, viz. those with the barrel stripes right
round the body, and cut through by the ventral
longitudinal stripe. The others seem to be mere
variations from these two types.

The Reverend Gilmorc Edwardes, of Port Eliza-
beth, contributes the following interesting account
of a Zebra hunt in the Cradock District of the Cape
Province :

" Zebras in South Africa are royal game, and
may not be killed or caught without a permit. This
document is one not easy to procure, and always
limits the sportsman strictly to a specified number in
each case. Mr. John de Klerk, whose farm, Doorn-
hoek, lies among the mountains some fifteen miles
to the west of Cradock (Cape Province), had the
good fortune recently to obtain such a permit,
authorising him to catch six Zebras (two of which
were to form part of South Africa's present of wild
animals to His Majesty King George), and forth-
with invited a number of friends from the farms
in the district, and from the neighbouring town of
Cradock, to join in what proved to be an exciting
day's sport.

" Assembling at the homestead early in the
196

BURCHELL'S ZEBRA

morning, when the plan of campaign was explained
and discussed, the party, mounted on sturdy and
well-trained shooting ponies, climbed the steep and
rocky track which leads from behind the house up
the face of a mountain spur, and reaching the sum-
mit, rode on across the main ridge and down the
slope on the other side, into the broad and open
valley beyond, where lay the carefully-planned
centre of operations, the scheme of which will now
be described.

" Across the valley, and over the mountains in
either direction, runs the boundary fence of the farm,
miles of wire, which even the wild Zebra will seldom
attempt to negotiate. From a suitable point in
this boundary fence, a wing of wire fencing had been
run out to a distance of 200 yards, at an angle of
about 50°, while at the apex an opening was left
leading into a strongly-constructed wire kraal, a
cul-de-sac. This was the pivot of the rounding-up
movement, the object being, of course, to work
the Zebras into the space between the fences, and to
drive them down into the kraal. Four horsemen
were extended in line with the wing fence to guard
against a rush past its outer end, while a dozen or
more rode behind the hills to the left, sending some
of their number round the head of the valley to the
hills on the other side ; thus, with the wire fencing,
completely encircling the area where it was expected
that the game would be found. One small troop
had already been sighted, but as the arrangements

197

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

were not complete, these quietly moved off, and dis-
appeared after the elusive manner of their kind.
Everything, however, was now in order. The men
were at their stations ; the horses fit and keen ; the
fences firm and strong; the kraal open-mouthed and
ready for all comers, while, lying behind a rough
shelter of bush, were two or three natives, ready to
spring forward to bar the entrance the moment
the Zebras were in. The horsemen began to move
down the hills, closing round the valley, and there
below them, quietly grazing on the slope of a gentle
rise, was a troop of eight of the beautiful creatures
they were seeking. Recognition was mutual and
instantaneous, but the sentiment of the Zebras just
now was evidently that of Dr. Johnson when ^he
found himself in the company of uncongenial
characters : ' Gentlemen, I do desire that we be
better strangers,' for, with a shake of their heads,
and an indignant snort from their leader, the troop
trotted off. They soon recognised that the hills
were already occupied, and breaking into a canter,
they made down the slopes for the open valley. The
horsemen rode warily ; they wanted no stampede.
As long as the troop were going in the right direc-
tion all was well. And now they are in the open
ground. Away to the left is the main fence ; in a
semi-circle behind are the pursuers ; away to the
right is the line of horsemen guarding the wing.
So straight on the Zebras canter. Now they are
between the fences ; but they have not yet realised

198

BURCHELL'S ZEBRA

it, and the horsemen are closing rapidly round behind
them. The excitement is becoming intense ; the
horses plunge forward recklessly over the boulder-
strewn ground ; the Zebras are galloping straight
for the kraal. In thirty seconds they will be in ;
but no ! The leader has scented danger. In the
middle of his stride he swerves. The whole troop
swings ' right wheel ' into line, and charges straight
for the wing fence. What are they going to do ?
Will they attempt to clear it ? Will they dash into
it and attempt to burst it ? They are not such
fools as to try either of these plans. Three of their
number forge ahead of the rest, and, with heads
low down, fling themselves forward, driving their
heads under the lowest wire almost up to their
withers, and, with a mighty heave, up comes the
fence, the nearest post flying clean out of the ground.
Through go the three ; behind them falls the
fence ; over it bound the rest of the troop, and away
— but not all. One catches his hoof in a wire, and
turns a beautiful somersault in black and white.
He is up in an instant, joins his comrades, and off
they go. See them going, going, gone ! They have
vanished in thin air over the opposite hills. And
there, on the backs of nigh upon a score of panting
and puzzled horses, sit nigh upon a score of gallant
horsemen ruminating on the bitterness of life, the
fickleness of wire fencing, and the incredible fussi-
ness of mountain Zebras, and making sundry remarks
pecuharly appropriate to the occasion.

199

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

" A council of war was now held, as a result of
which the fence was repaired, and a second rounding-
up movement arranged. The formation was much
as before, and the horsemen swept round the hills,
centreing, as in the previous drive on the valley
which led to the kraal. Fortune was again favour-
able, but not extravagantly so, for this time the
find was one of only three Zebras and a foal. Taking
of necessity the same direction in the main as the
larger troop had taken, they showed some independ-
ence of judgment in keeping more to the hilly
ground, hoping perhaps to break through to the
right. In this, however, they were thwarted by
the vigilance of the enemy, who gradually forced
them into the true course. This meant a run down
a steep and rugged mountain side, and afforded a
fine opportunity of witnessing the amazing speed
with which these wild mountaineers can dash down-
hill, treating rocks, boulders and holes with a reck-
less contempt, rivalling even that of the fleet-
footed Rooi-buck. Down they go into the open
veld, straight for the fenced area. Like their pre-
decessors, they feel their pursuers closing in behind
them, and forge ahead towards the kraal. But again
nature's cunning hand is shown. Some subtle
instinct warns of danger in front, and they come
galloping back over their tracks towards their
pursuers, bearing a little to the left, with the evident
intention of getting round the outer end of the wing
fence.

BURCHELL'S ZEBRA

" Now comes a trial of skill and speed with the
wing men. Will they get through or not ? It is a
wild dash for freedom. They stop at nothing, and
in spite of all efforts on the part of the horsemen,
two of the Zebras and the foal get over the line,
and are out along the hillside towards the distant
mountains. Two only, for the third was, after
much helter-skelter, stopped and headed back.
The hunt was now cut in two. The wing men rode
off in pursuit of the three animals which had got
away. Meanwhile, within the fenced area (which,
it must be remembered, was open to the veld at its
broad end, and to the kraal at its apex) the sport
waxed fast and furious. Up and down, round and
round, sped the desperate Zebra, stopped by the
wire fence on two sides of the triangle, and by horse-
men on the third. To the men with the lasso it
gave no chance ; to the kraal it would have nothing
to say. Close behind it rode Mr. John du Plessis,
mounted on a horse as untiring as it was sure-footed.
It was a wild race between horse and Zebra, and
the end came in an extraordinary way. Mr. du
Plessis (riding 15 St., by the way) was galloping
close at the heels of the Zebra, when the latter
suddenly swung round on its hind-legs and faced
its pursuer. Without checking his horse in its pace,
this veritable Nimrod flung himself out of the saddle
right in front of the Zebra, seized hold of the
astounded creature by its enormous ears, and by
sheer force of weight and muscle, held down its

201

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

head till his comrades came to his aid. The clap-
ping on of headstall and ropes was but the work of
moments in their practised hands, and, with much
plunging, prancing and kicking the beautiful
captive was lodged within the kraal.

" While the plans and procedure throughout had
been scientifically laid, and correctly carried out)
the ultimate capture was as ludicrously unorthodox
in method as it was plucky and effective in execu-
tion. Catching wild Zebras by laying hold of their
ears sounds next-of-kin to catching birds by putting
salt on their tails. However, nothing succeeds like
success, and the Zebra, a four-year-old mare, was
now making things lively in the kraal. In the mean-
time the horsemen who had gone in pursuit of the
others were having a hard run for it. The ground
was so covered with great round stones and young
boulders, that there seemed nowhere for a horse to
put his foot down. Still, for all that, they got away
at a tremendous pace. The foal was a serious check
on the other Zebras, and from time to time the
faithful creatures would pause to let the little one
come up with them. Along the side of the hill they
went, and down the slope of a shallow kloof, where
trickled a tiny spruit. Here the foal made a false
turn, and a rider, dashing forward, cut it off and
headed it up the hill and away from the others.
Its capture was now only a question of time.
Mr. Simon de Klerk was foremost in the run, and
at last rode it down, exhausted on the hillside. The

202

BURCHELL'S ZEBRA

two Zebras, which had stood on the opposite hill
watching their little friend's fate, now disappeared.
With some difficulty the foal was brought up to the
kraal, where, to everybody's delight, it was found
that the two captives were mother and foal, re-
united in bondage, it is true, still, reunited. So
ended the second drive. Many of the horses were
done up with several hours hard riding under a
blazing sun, and were glad of a rest. In groups of
twos and threes they stood with their bridles trail-
ing on the ground, never attempting to move away —
such is their hunting training — but making the most
of their opportunity with what they could pick up
in the way of green food growing amongst the stones,
while their riders beguiled the time with a smoke,
and with watching proceedings within the kraal.
As the sun was now going west, it was decided to
combine the homeward trek with a third envelop-
ing movement, which should sweep the mountains,
as, yet untouched, in the direction of Doornhoek,
the direction, that is, in which the escaped Zebras
had gone. Again the horsemen, after a drink of
warmish water from the spruit, in which the horses
joined them, split up into parties, and rode off in
various directions, the advance party going a round-
about way in order to drive up again from beyond
the homestead.

" There was, of course, no further idea of using
the kraal as a trap. This was left in the rear of the
present movement. The general idea now was to

203

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

find and drive a Zebra, and to capture cither with
the lasso, or by cornering. In company with two
others, one being the hero of the first capture, I
had ridden to the top of the area now being worked,
and commanding a complete view of the area, as
well as of the glorious panorama of the mountainous
country around. Presently, away down on a lower
range, could be seen a small greyish object moving
in our direction, and 200 yards beyond it four black
dots In line. The one was a Zebra, the four dots
were the hunters. On they came, till the Zebra
approached the foot of the hill. Skirting this, he
turned to the left, only to discover in the distance
other horsemen threatening his advance. Doubling
back round the foot of the hill again, and cleverly
dodging his original pursuers, he made an attempt
to get round the back of the hill, only to be met with
another line of obstructers. Quick of decision, he
now dashed up the face of the mountain, between
this last party of horsemen and ourselves, deter-
mined to make a bid for freedom In the direction
of the morning's field of operations. By the time
he reached the comparative level at the top of the
hill he found himself running a close race with one
of his persistent enemies, Mr. John du Plessis, of
Garstlands Kloof. The situation was now desperate.
In front was a wire fence, the two upper wires of
which were barbed. The opening through which
he and his comrades had come earlier In the day
was far down to the right, and probably in the

204

BURCHELL'S ZEBRA

hands of the enemy. Close at his heels rode the
hunter. On they sped, straight for the fence.
Ten feet from it the Zebra paused. ' What was
to be done ? ' It was only a second, that pause ;
but the horseman was beside him, out of the saddle,
and on to his head, with two brawny hands gripping
him by the ears. With a wild and uncontrollable
bound, the Zebra hurled himself and his assailant
into the wire fence, where, kicking and struggling,
shouting and snorting, the two spent a really magnifi-
cent five minutes — well worth remembering. The
hunter had the Zebra by the ears, and would not
let go. The wire fencing had the hunter and Zebra
by the arms, legs and necks, and would not let go,
and the barbs were doing a brisk business with both
of them. How long this would have gone on it is
impossible to say, had not the redoubtable captor
of the first Zebra come to his relief. Jumping off
his horse, and taking in the situation at a glance, he
seized two stones, and with two or three sharp
blows, he cut the wires, bundled man and Zebra
through the opening thus made, threw his own
enormous weight into the melee, and there was the
Zebra on the ground, with one man on his head,
and another on his haunches. Meanwhile, other
horsemen were rolling up in hot haste. Headstall
and ropes were soon fixed on the captive Zebra —
a fine young stallion of about two years. His
captors moved off to the ends of the ropes. He
leapt to his feet, and thereafter kept everybody

205

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

connected with him at leg's length, and fairly-
busy.

" This was the end of the third drive, and con-
cluded the day's sport. The task of getting the
captives down the mountain track to the farm
was slow and difficult, but at last it was success-
fully achieved ; and when the hunting party broke
up at the homestead, after being hospitably refreshed
by our host and hostess, the three Zebras were
safely stabled and doing well."

206

THE WHITE OR SQUARE-LIPPED
RHINOCEROS

{Rhinoceros simus)

Burchell's Rhinoceros ; Umkombe of Zulus ; Umhofo of Mata-
bele ; Chukuru of Bechuanas ; Um Girin of Sudani.

The White Rhinoceros, or Witte Rhenoster of the
Dutch hunters, was formerly common in the open
grassy country in South Africa, between the Orange
and Zambesi Rivers. It has never been recorded
south of the Orange River. At the present time
the only living specimens in South Africa number
dbout twenty, which are strictly preserved in the
Game Reserves of Zululand. It is possible one or
two may still exist in the remoter parts of Southern
Rhodesia. It was formerly believed that the
Zambesi was the northern limit of the White
Rhinoceros, but it is now known to be common in
north-eastern Congo, the southern portions of the
Sudan, west of the Nile, and some other parts of
Equatorial Africa.

The northern race differs from the southern
form in the proportions of the skull, and apparently
the skin is somewhat different. It is known as
Rhinoceros simus cottoni.

How the name of White Rhinoceros came to be
207

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

applied to this animal is uncertain, for it is of a dark,
slaty-grey colour, and certainly could not by any
stretch of the imagination be called white.

Selous says that when standing in the open, with
the sun shining fully upon them on a winter morning,
they look white at a distance. Possibly seeing them
thus, out upon the grassy veld, the Boer hunters
bestowed the name of Witte Rhenoster on them —
a name which is certainly inappropriate. Personally,
I believe the name has arisen from the habit of the
animal wallowing in whitish clay, which is so com-
mon on the bottoms of pools and water-holes. On
emerging from its muddy-water bath the sun and
air rapidly dries the film of clay on its hide, which
at a distance shows up greyish-white.

Square-lipped Rhinoceros is a suitable name, for
the upper lip of this great beast is square, and not
of a proboscis-like nature as in the other species.

Before the advent of the European colonists to
South Africa, the White Rhinoceros was quite
common beyond the Orange River, and the writings
of the early travellers and hunters teem with
accounts of the slaughter of considerable numbers
of these animals.

During the course of a day's trek with a wagon,
it was a common occurrence to see from fifty to a
hundred of them.

Between 1840 and 1850 these prehistoric-looking
beasts were still abundant in suitable localities in
the Limpopo and Lake Ngami regions.

208

THE WHITE RHINOCEROS

In former days, judging by their writings, the
majority of European hunters slaughtered game
animals for the sheer lust of killing. For instance,
two hunters whose names are often quoted in natural
history books, mention having, during one short
hunting trip, killed ninety Rhinoceroses, the majority
of which were of the square-lipped species. Another
hunter killed sixty in a single season. Even in the
remote districts where the European hunter had
not penetrated, the slaughter was carried on by
natives who had obtained possession of firearms.

The last living specimen in South Africa, other
than those preserved in Zululand, was one which
was shot in Rhodesia in the year 1895.

The White Rhinoceros is an inhabitant of the
open grassy plains and wide valleys, and feeds chiefly,
if not entirely, on grass. They associate in pairs or
family parties ; at other times they are solitary.

Although not associating in troops, they must
have been quite numerous in restricted localities,
for, during a day's march, it was seemingly a common
occurrence to observe from twenty to fifty of these
huge beasts. A day's journey in those times wdth a
wagon and team of bullocks over the roadless veld
was a very slow method of travelling, and if a score
or more Rhinoceroses were encountered in a day's
journey, they must have been very numerous.
Harris mentions having seen as many as eighty
in a single day.

These animals feed during the night, or in the

VOL. Ill 209 14

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

mornings and evenings. During the heat of the
day they retire to rest, and sleep under the shade
of some soHtary tree on the veld, or in a patch of
bush. They appear to sleep very soundly, and their
sense of hearing and sight are dull.

It is often possible to steal quietly up and take
a photograph at close quarters as they lie like giant
pigs soundly sleeping.

The Rhinoceros is usually accompanied by the
Rhinoceros Bird (Buphaga). These birds feed upon
the ticks which infest the skins of their hosts. They
also render good service in warning their Rhinoceros
friends of the presence of danger by their shrill
cries. This animal progresses at a rapid trot, with
the head carried low, and the long horn almost
parallel with the ground. Although it can, at a
trot, outdistance any man on foot, it Is easily over-
taken on horseback, hence the reason it falls so easy
a prey to the hunters. When a mother Rhino is
accompanied by a young calf, it always runs in front
of her, and is guided in its course by the tip of her
horn, which is gently pressed on the rump as occa-
sion demands. In this way she is able to keep it
in full view, and guard it at the same time from
attack, at least by the larger carnivorous animals,
such as the Lion.

The White Rhinoceros, when feeding, progresses
along at a steady walk, cropping the grass as it goes.
It drinks during the evening or at night, and is
never found at any great distance from water.

2IO

THE WHITE RHINOCEROS

It has a rather remarkable habit of always deposit-
ing its excrement at the same spot, and this in time
forms great accumulations. When the mass assumes
an inconvenient height, the animal scatters the
dry mound with its horn.

The White Rhinoceros is timid and inoffensive,
although when wounded and brought to bay it will
occasionally charge. An instance is on record of a
hunter having his horse transfixed under him by an
enraged Rhino of this species.

It seems a great pity that so harmless and in-
offensive an animal should have been allowed to be
almost exterminated in South Africa, especially so
as it is one of our most interesting fauna.

The White Rhinoceroses were usually hunted down
and killed for the sake of their horns and hides.
The latter were cut up and converted into sjamboks
and wagon whigs, and the former were sold as curios
or converted into walking sticks, whip and knife
handles, combs, etc.

Selous mentions that the eyesight of Rhinoceroses
is so poor that on many occasions he was able to
walk up to within thirty or forty yards of them on
the open veld, without apparently attracting their
attention.

Their sense of smell is highly acute, but that of
hearing seems to be rather indifferent.

When hard pressed this animal, whose usual pace
is a swift trot, breaks into a lumbering gallop. If
a hind-leg is broken, it is unable to run, but with a

211

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

broken shoulder it can progress for a considerable
distance at a gallop.

The flesh was greatly sought after by the trek
Boers for food, as it was considered to be much
superior to the flesh of any of the antelopes. The
hump was the favourite part. This was cut off
with the skin attached, and roasted in a hole in the
ground. '

Towards the end of the rainy season these
Rhinoceroses usually become so fat that a layer of it,
an inch thick, is often found under the skin of the
upper parts, and a couple of inches in depth all
over the abdomen.

One young is produced at a birth. Should the
mother be shot, the calf, if very young, refuses to
leave her body, and stubbornly resists all efforts
to drive it away. The little orphan boldly charges
if either man or dog attempts to approach the body
of its mother.

The White Rhinoceros breeds very slowly. Sclous
and others have often observed a bull and cow with
a young calf, and another of quite a large size, the
latter no doubt being the former calf.

It is, with the exception of the Elephant, the
largest of all land animals. An adult bull stands
from 6 feet to 6 feet 9 inches at the shoulder, and
measures nearly 14 feet from the nose to the root
of the tail. It is hairless, with the exception of
a fringe along the edges of the ears, and bristles
at the end of the tail. The skin is dark slaty-grey ;

212

THE BLACK RHINOCEROS

head, long and heavy ; upper Hp square ; ears more
pointed and of greater length than in the prehensile-
lipped species.

Head with two horns. The front or nose horn
is usually more slender, longer, and less acutely
curved than in the other species of Rhinoceros.
Sometimes the front horn is straight, or even inclined
forwards. This anterior horn grows to a length of
about 4 feet 6 inches. The longest on record is
56^ inches.

The leading differences between the two species
are :

(i) Rhinoceros simus — larger. Straight upper lip.

(2) Rhinoceros bicornis — smaller. Prehensile lip.

The former grazes ; the latter browses.

THE BLACK OR PREHENSILE-LIPPED
RHINOCEROS

{Rhinoceros bicornis)

Upejani of Zulus and Matabele ; Sipejana of Swazis and Matonga ;
Upelepi of Basutos ; Borele and Keitloa of Bechuanas ;
Chipemberi of Lower Zambesi natives ; Muin of Masai ;
Wartses of Galla ; Shempola of Chila ; Fava of Swahili ;
Gurhu of Danakil ; Megi of M'Kua ; Wil of Somali ; Abu
Gesn-Khartyl of Sudani.

The Black Rhinoceros, or Zwart Rhenoster of the
Dutch hunters, formerly inhabited Africa from the
Cape to Abyssinia and Somaliland.

By retreating to the cover of the dense, thorny
213

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

forests this Rhinoceros has, so far, escaped extinction
at the hands of hunters. A few exist in the Zulu-
land Game Reserves, and have of late years been
steadily increasing in numbers. Isolated specimens
still lurk in the dense, thorny bush in the north-
eastern part of the Transvaal and Southern Rhodesia ;
and a fairly large number are known to inhabit the
forests in the southern part of Portuguese East
Africa.

These surviving specimens are now strictly pre-
served, and no doubt those from the different
districts will interbreed when possible, and prevent
the extinction of this animal in South Africa through
inbreeding, as will probably happen with the few
remaining survivors of the " White " species in
Zululand.

The last Black Rhinoceros shot .in the Cape
Province, according to Hall, was an old bull, in the
year 1853 on the Coega River, not far from Port
Elizabeth. In the Orange Free State the last one
recorded was shot in 1842 at Rhenoster Kop on the
south side of the Vaal River in the Kroonstad
District.

The Black Rhinoceros inhabits the bush-veld and
scrub-covered rocky country, although in certain
districts it is frequently seen feeding away out on
the grass-covered, but treeless plains, upon a small
plant of which it is very fond.

It feeds upon leaves, shoots, green twigs, shrubs,
small plants and roots, but not grass.

214

THE BLACK RHINOCEROS

Its long, prehensile upper lip is admirably adapted
for browsing, as the square lip of the other species
is for grazing. It is a rather interesting fact that
the White Rhinoceros should subsist entirely on grass,
and the Black species on leaves of trees and shrubs.

Although met with in pairs or family parties, the
Black Rhinoceros is generally solitary. It is some-
what more alert and suspicious than the other species,
and is usually accompanied by Rhinoceros Birds.

The Black Rhinoceros rests during the heat of
the day in the shade of a convenient tree, in a
thorny thicket, on the shady side of a pile of
rocks, amidst masses of reeds and in long grass ; it
sometimes lies out in the open, exposed to the fierce
heat of the midday sun.

It feeds during the evening, night and early
morning, but may occasionally be seen on the move
on cloudy or rainy days.

Like the other species of Rhino, it is never found
at any very great distance from water, to which it
resorts in the summer time to drink during the
evening and at dawn. After the early morning
drink, this Rhino, like its bigger cousin, wallows in
the mud, which subsequently cakes all over its body,
and helps to smother the ticks which attach them-
selves to the softer or thinner portions of its skin.

In the winter season its visits to water are not so
frequent or regular. When feeding, these animals
are obliged to cover a great extent of ground to
procure sufficient nourishment for their huge bodies.

215

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

It is indeed surprising how they obtain a sufficiency
of food from the stunted, sparse, scrubby, sun-
parched bushes, which is the only vegetation in many
of the locahties frequented by the Rhino.

The Black Rhinoceros, in localities where it is
not hunted, usually deposits its dung in shallow
hollows, which it scoops out under a tree or bush.
These spots are visited regularly until a great pile
of excrement has collected, which the Rhino scatters
at frequent intervals with its horn. Regular beaten
tracks are often seen leading to these deposits, or
from one to another. This cleanly habit, which is
common to other species of Rhinoceroses and many
other species of animals, tends strongly to keep
infectious animal diseases in check.

This great beast invariably lies with its hind-
quarters to the wind, and when alarmed makes off
at a rapid swinging trot up-wind, with its tail
twisted over its back. When closely pursued it
breaks into a gallop, which can be kept up for a
considerable distance, and a good horse is required
if the hunter desires to successfully run it down.

The flesh of a Rhino, although coarse, is, when
in good condition, considered very palatable. Like
the other species. Black Rhinoceroses are quite easy
to stalk if their bird sentinels do not happen to be
present. The experienced hunter, before attempt-
ing to approach within easy range for a fatal shot,
examines his intended quarry very carefully with a
pair of good field-glasses, and should he detect any

216

THE BLACK RHINOCEROS

Rhinoceros Birds on it, he knows he must proceed
to stalk the beast with the utmost caution. After a
long and tedious stalk, the hunter is frequently
detected by the birds, which at once give the alarm
to their host. Should no birds be present, the
hunter stalks the animal more rapidly, knowing
that so long as he keeps on the proper side of the
wind, and takes reasonable care not to expose him-
self, he will almost to a certainty get within easy
shooting distance.

When disturbed, the Black Rhinoceros moves off
with its head well elevated, and if a cow has a calf
with her, it follows its parent instead of preceding it.

The White Rhinoceros, on the contrary, makes
away with its head held low, and when a calf is
present it always precedes the mother.

The Black Rhinoceros also differs from its meek
and inoffensive relative in its temper, which is
morose, irritable and uncertain. When wounded it
frequently charges down upon its persecutor, but if
he is able to get out of the way in time, it usually,
but not invariably, passes straight on, and does not
turn to seek him out. It has been known to charge
without provocation through a team of oxen,
donkeys, or a camp, meanwhile lunging right and
left most viciously with its horn.

The eyesight of the Rhino is bad, otherwise it
would prove a most dangerous antagonist. When
wounded it will often charge blindly in the direction
of the sound of the rifle.

217

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

When warned of danger by its bird friends, the
Rhino charges off more or less bhndly, and as Hkely
as not right in the face of the stalker, who usually
imagines he has been observed by it, and that the
charge is a deliberate one.

Major Stevenson-Hamilton relates an instance of
a gentleman who obtained a permit to shoot one
Rhino. The victim happened to be a cow ; and its
calf, infuriated at the death of the mother, charged
down upon him. He secured a temporary sanctuary
on top of a termite heap, and the youngster, which
was as big as a donkey, ran to and fro from its
dead mother to the heap, squealing with both rage
and grief. Not having a permit to kill more than
one Rhino, he hesitated to shoot, and it was only
after both he and the party had been held up for two
hours that he shot it through a non-vital, fleshy
part. For some time afterwards it continued to
threaten him, but eventually retreated, much to the
rehef of the party.

In former days, when this species of Rhino was
plentiful, it was a constant source of annoyance to
travellers, by suddenly jumping up and charging
down upon them. The charge of so huge and clumsy
an animal into the midst of a number of native
carriers, and a team of donkeys or oxen, was most
disconcerting and dangerous, for one stroke of the
great horn usually results in death for man or beast.

The so-called horn of all Rhinoceroses is a collec-
tion of closely-packed fibres, growing from the skin ;

2i8

THE BLACK RHINOCEROS

the slightly hollowed base of the horn rests upon a
bony elevation which grows from the skull. When
skinning the head, the horn can easily be detached
from the skull.

Although one long, front or nose horn and a small
back one is the rule, specimens have been obtained
with both horns of equal length, and others with
three and even five horns.

Formerly these varieties were divided into local
races or sub-species, but they are now regarded as
individual eccentricities, and in consequence only
one species is recognised throughout the extensive
range of this animal.

The Black Rhinoceros is dark slaty-grey, and is not
noticeably darker than the so-called White species.
However, it is smaller and lighter than the other ;
its length from nose to root of tail averages about
lo feet, and the height at the shoulder 5 feet. Its
upper lip is elongated and prehensile, and the head
is much shorter than that of the White Rhinoceros.
The skin is hairless, thick and almost smooth, and
the eye is small. An adult living female was
weighed and scaled 1 080 lbs.

In addition to the two species of Rhinoceroses
which inhabit Africa, there are three other species
in eastern countries, viz. the Great Indian Rhino-
ceros {Rhinoceros unicornis), the Javan Rhinoceros
{Rhinoceros sondaicus), and the Sumatran Rhinoceros
{Rhinoceros sumatrensis). The two former have a
single horn each, and the latter two horns.

219

THE ROCK OR KLIP DASSIE

Also known as the Rock Rabbit and Coney

{Procavia capensis)

Imbila of Zulus, Swazis and Amaxosa ; Ipila of Basuto.

The naturalists of the past classified the Dassie as
a rodent, viz. in the same class as hares, rabbits,
beavers, rats, etc., owing to its rodent-like incisor
teeth, general shape and habits, which are similar
to those of many of the rodent tribe of animals.

However, careful examination of the molar teeth,
feet and internal anatomy made it clear that they
were really relations of the Elephant, Rhinoceros
and other animals of that class, so they were placed
in the order known as Ungulates or Hoofed Animals.
It will therefore be seen that a Dassie is in no way
related to rabbits, hares and other rodent animals.

Although belonging to the hoofed class of
mammals, they have no close relations among them.
The structure of their feet would lead us to infer
thev were more closely related to the Elephant and
the Rhinoceros than to any of the other members
of the hoofed tribe of animals.

The KHp Dassie inhabits the krantzes and stony
hills of South Africa, and is common in such local-

220

J O

i-. (U
re <u

THE ROCK OR KLIP DASSIE

ities throughout the Cape Province and NataL It
also, however, occurs in other parts where the
environment is suitable to its existence.

The Klip Dassie was evidently known to the
ancients, for in Psalms civ. i8, in the Bible, the
rocks are mentioned as being a refuge for the conies.
The Syrian species of Dassie or Rock Rabbit {Pro-
cavia syriacd) is commonly called a Coney, and is the
species probably alluded to.

The word Dassie or Dasje is Dutch and means
Badger, therefore Klip Dassie is literally Rock
Badger. Dassie is the Africander way of spelling it,
and Dasje is the High Dutch way.

The Dassie, however, is in no way related to the
Badger. The only near relative of the Badger in
South Africa is the Honey Ratel, which belongs to
the order of animals known as Carnivora.

The Rock Dassie is truly a wonderful example of
the adaptation of animals to their surroundings. In
this instance we have an animal which is practically
defenceless. Beyond a few feeble attempts to nip
its aggressor with its curved front or incisor teeth,
it offers no active resistance. Therefore, lacking any
effective means of defence against its many enemies,
it adopts a negative one, as we shall presently notice.

In the far-distant past South Africa had an
excessive rainfall, and the country was clothed with
dense forests, interspersed with great stretches of
rank grasses, lakes, rivers and gushing springs which,
unlike most of those of to-day, flowed all the year

221

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

round. At that period the Khp or Rock Dassic,
no doubt, was arboreal, that is, it was an inhabitant
of the trees.

In the course of time the chmate changed. This
change was gradual, and the rainfall slowly but surely
diminished. The lakes began to dry up, and the
springs and rivers decreased in volume, and in con-
sequence the less hardy vegetation died off. The
struggle for the survival of the fittest in both the
vegetable and animal world began in grim earnest.
Great numbers of species of plants perished, and
their kind became extinct. Others slowly but surely
adapted themselves to the changing conditions by
modifying their structure, and to-day we have plant
life which has specially adapted itself to survive in
the vast inland stretches of the country where the
rainfall is small.

During this long period the forests were slowly
vanishing and being replaced by stunted Karoo
bushes and the hardy Mimosa trees and grasses.

The hills and mountains became increasingly bare,
and to-day over great stretches of country we see
but their skeletons, for the fertile soils and vegeta-
tion which once clothed them, have been washed
down into the valleys, and now constitute the soil
of the veld.

So to-day we have the spectacle of hills and moun-
tains covered with loose boulders and bare outcrops
of rocks, crannied, fissured, caverned and eroded.

There was no room in the ever-diminishing forests

222

THE ROCK OR KLIP DASSIE

for the Dassies, and in many districts the forests
disappeared altogether ; therefore these animals were
obhged to change their mode of life or perish, as
was the case with the squirrels which are so abundant
on the Karoo, and which live m burrows under-
ground, instead of in the trees, as did their remote
ancestors.

Faihng the shelter of hollow trees, the Dassies
sought sanctuary among the crannies and fissures of
the stony hills.

However, all of them did not adopt these habits
of life. Some remained in the forests, which along
the coastal districts grow with undiminished vigour.
These are known as Bush Dassies, of which more
anon.

The Klip Dassie lives in small parties of a few
individuals to a dozen or more. Wherever there is
rough, broken, stony country, the Klip Dassie is to
be found. They are by no means confined to the
drier inland portions of the country, for in Natal,
where the rainfall is abundant, and the vegetation
in many parts semi-tropical, the Dassie abounds
along the edges of the various table mountains, and
ridges of rocks on the hills.

This animal never attempts to burrow. It
lives in the natural crevices and holes among the
rocks, and may be seen at almost any time of the
day lying sunning itself on the smooth boulders.
One of the party is always on the watch, and the
instant it becomes alarmed it utters a shrill, hissing

223

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

scream or squeak, several times repeated, where-
upon all those in the neighbourhood scuttle off and
take shelter. Should a rock crevice be large, as many
as a dozen w^ill take refuge in it.

The Dassie is wonderfully active among the rocks,
and jumps, hops, runs and climbs with noiseless
tread and marvellous agility.

Its powers of climbing and clinging to steep, rocky
surfaces is considerably aided by a special apparatus
on the foot. The naked soles are covered with
thick skin ; this is kept moist all the time by-
sweat, which is secreted by the sudorific glands.
These are really sweat glands, which are very
abundant in the sole of the foot of the Klip Dassie.
In addition to this, there is a special set of muscles
which cause the sole of the foot to contract, and
forms a hollow, air-tight, saucer-like chamber in the
centre, which enables an animal to cling with great
tenacity to an almost perpendicular rock. Those
who are not aware of this wonderful suctional power
of the foot, are astonished beyond measure when
they shoot a Dassie, and observe its dead body
clinging to a smooth, almost perpendicular rock
surface.

It is very tenacious of life, and even when riddled
with shot will struggle bravely on until it reaches
its lair, into which it drags its dying body and
perishes miserably.

The Dassie retires to its lair at night, and issues
forth to feed on the surrounding vegetation during

224

THE ROCK OR KLIP DASSIE

the early hours of the morning and evening, before
darkness has set in. It also ventures forth on moon-
light nights in search of food.

During the day it basks in the sun on the most
exposed rocks in the neighbourhood of its lair. Its
diet is purely vegetarian, and consists of the leaves,
tender shoots, bark and grasses growing in the
vicinity of its home. When vegetable gardens
are in close proximity to their haunts, the Dassies
occasionally venture dovi^n to them and do some
damage, but unless severely pressed by hunger during
times of prolonged drought, they rarely venture
from their rocky retreats, for, if surprised fifty or a
hundred yards from any rocky place, they can easily be
run down by a man on foot and captured or killed.
On several occasions we have succeeded in heading
them off from the rocks, when we had suddenly
surprised them a short distance from their rocky
habitat. In each instance we captured them after
a short, sharp run. At Bethelsdorp, near Port
Elizabeth, the Hottentots have vegetable gardens
on a narrow strip of ground between two rocky hills.
The rocks descend down to within a dozen yards or
so of the gardens, and ' although these rocks are
swarming with Dassies, the Hottentots informed me
they never did any harm to the vegetables.

Although the Rock Dassie does not fulfil any
important mission in life from an economic point
of view, as far as humanity is concerned, yet it does
no harm ; and the wanton destruction of these

VOL. Ill 225 15

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

innocent creatures, which enhven the desert-hke
parts of South Africa, should be distinctly
discouraged.

The young are born in a nest in a rock cavity.
The number at a birth varies from two to three.
One which we kept in captivity gave birth to
two. On another occasion three were born. My
taxidermist, when skinning another, discovered
two within it. On yet another occasion we cap-
tured an adult female and three young ones, which
appeared to be about two months old. These were
all in the same lair, and evidently were the young of
the female which we found with them.

It is an interesting sight to watch a family of
Dassies out upon the rocks in the sunshine. The
adults lie about, stretched out flat, ever and anon
rising on their haunches and glancing inquisitively
around, or stretching themselves, while the young
gambol in and out of the rocks, playing hide-and-seek
with each other, for all the world like domestic kittens
at play. Should a twig crack under you in your
lurking place, or should you inadvertently dislodge
a pebble, the shrill warning scream of a sentinel
rings out, and in an instant that happy family party
have vanished from sight. The Klip Dassie is not
only found among the bare or sparsely-covered stony
hills. I have found them in abundance in rocky
localities which were covered with a dense forest of
trees. In a close creeper-covered forest near Pieter-
maritzburg, known as the " Town Bush," where,

226

THE ROCK OR KLIP DASSIE

owing to the interwoven creepers on the tops of the
trees the sun rarely penetrates to the ground, I
have seen colonies of Rock Dassies among the boul-
ders, and have for hours watched their ways and
habits from some adjacent place of concealment.

Although the Dassie does not burrow, it often
improves its lair by scraping out all loose stones
and earth, thus considerably enlarging its residence.

Requiring some Klip Dassies for exhibition at
the Port Elizabeth Museum, I set off with a friend
in a Cape cart, our destination being a Hottentot
village some miles distant, known as Bethelsdorp.
Arriving there, we secured the services of half-a-
dozen gaunt, alcohol-sodden Hottentots, and with
several fox-terrier dogs we wended our way up an
adjacent narrow valley, on each side of which rose
steep, rocky hills. Mounting the rocks we reached
the brow of an eminence, and carefully peering over
a boulder, I glanced down and surprised a score of
Dassies basking on the rocks not more than ten yards
distant. Simultaneously the danger-signal rang out,
and the Dassies scattered in all directions, jumping
from boulder to boulder, until all had found cover in
various holes and crannies amongst the rocks. Noting
a collection of boulders where several Dassies had
disappeared, we proceeded there, and as expected,
found a deep cleft. Calling the dogs, we were soon
convinced by their wild excitement that some Dassies
had sought shelter there. After tying up the dogs,
our men, with the aid of crowbars and badly

227

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

developed muscles, eventually loosened a ton-weight
boulder, and accompanied by guttural yells of
excitement from the ferrety-cyed Hottentots, it
launched itself forth, and with ever-increasing speed
plunged into a deep pool at the foot of the hill,
deluging my friend who, unknown to me, had
sneaked off and lay under a shady tree sleeping off
the effects of a poison known as alcohol, which he
had partaken of at a dance the evening previous.

After dislodging about a dozen rocks, there, in a
crack between two boulders, we caught a glimpse
of some brown fur and two hind-legs. Seizing the
legs, one of our men began to pull gently, then more
forcibly ; but no ! the Dassie seemed part of the rock
itself, and it was apparent if more force were applied
its legs would be torn from the body ; so we dis-
lodged some more rocks and, huddled together, there
lay a family of five Dassies. Then I found out some-
thing I had not known before about Dassies. The
reason we could not pull them out of the crevice
was because they inflated themselves and, like a
swollen foot in a boot, could not be withdrawn except
by using considerable force. They did not attempt
to use their toes to aid them, they just distended
their bodies, as do the various rock lizards when
attempts are made to pull them from a crevice by
the tail or back legs. In addition to distending its
body, and thus jamming itself against the sides of
the crevice, the Dassie also often adheres to the
rock surface with the suction-pads on its feet.

228

THE ROCK OR KLIP DASSIE

Adult Dassies when captured often refuse to eat,
or only nibble a little food, and in consequence soon
die, but if placed in a large cage and kept secluded,
they will start to feed and soon become reconciled
to their new environment. The old ones never
lose their fear of man and are always timid, and if
attempts be made to handle them they snap at the
fingers with their teeth. When captured young, or
when almost adult, they soon become tame, and make
interesting pets by reason of their quick, active,
restless ways and gentle disposition. When first
captured, Dassies are sometimes so terrified that
they actually die of fright. I have seen instances
of this.

When captured young and kindly treated, the
Dassie can be tamed so thoroughly that it will not
stray from the dwelling if given its liberty. When
kept closely confined, Dassies become savage and
morose, as do many other animals in like circum-
stances. This is distinctly cruel, and should not
be permitted.

An animal dealer of my acquaintance was in the
habit of keeping one or two tame Dassies. Wild
ones when captured were placed with them, and they,
observing the tame ones eat and show no terror at
sight of the keeper, soon lost their nervousness and
became tame in a short while.

In captivity Dassies must be kept cosy and warm,
otherwise they will perish. They are very cleanly
in their habits. A peculiar habit of the Klip Dassie

229

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

is that it deposits its excrement in some special place
amongst the rocks, and in consequence a large
accumulation occurs in course of time. This
excrement becomes saturated with the urine, and
eventually forms into a sticky black mass, in appear-
ance like pitch, and is known as " Dassie Sweet."
This is collected by the natives and is extensively
used by them as a drug. Considerable numbers of
colonists also use this substance at times. It is
administered to them by native medicine-men, in
whose powers to cure disease many farmers and
others unfortunately have considerable faith.

The active principle in this substance seems to
be saltpetre, for if allowed to remain exposed to the
atmosphere under suitable conditions, it will undergo
a chemical change, and pure nitre or saltpetre, viz.
nitrate of potassium, will be the result.

In the Natal Government Museum at Pieter-
maritzburg there is a series of specimens illustra-
tive of the formation of nitre from the excreta of
the Rock Dassie. In Natal I have collected this
excrement in all stages, from the black pitchy mass
to the pure white nitre. Sometimes there will be an
accumulation of this excrement on sandstone rocks
overhanging a cave or rock shelter. The liquid por-
tion slowly soaks into the porous rock, and for years
after the solid portion of the excrement has dis-
appeared, a black sticky substance will slowly exude
from the lower surface of the rock which forms the
roof of the rock shelter or cave. This forms into

230

THE ROCK OR KLIP DASSIE

small lumps, and is picked off and used as medicine
hy the natives. This is nothing but the liquid
portion of the excrement which has slowly perco-
lated by gravity through the sandstone. This
substance is undoubtedly medicinal, for it is both
Diuretic and Diaphoretic, that is, it is a kidney stimu-
lant, and increases the action of the skin and pro-
duces perspiration. However, drugs which produce
like effects can be had in a clean, pure form, and at
a cheap price of any chemist.

In some districts the accumulations of this excre-
ment are very great, and attempts have been made
to float a company in order to work it for its market
value as nitrate of potassium.

Along a ridge of rocks in the midlands of Cape
Province, I have seen tons of it.

The Klip Dassie is kept from unduly multiplying
by a host of enemies. The Bushmen and Hottentots
of the past hunted them relentlessly. Their mode
of attack was to creep upon them unawares when
they were basking on the rocks, and hurl kerries or
rounded stones at them. Then, hurrying forward,
they endeavoured to secure those which had been
crippled before they could reach a rock crevice.
Then, again, they would spend hours in digging
them out. Time is no object to a savage, and if
after a day's labour he succeeded in securing a
couple of Dassies he thought himself fortunate. The
anticipation of a full meal of flesh, and a pelt to
make a cap or loin-covering of, spurred him on,

231

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

The Kafir boys of to-day amuse themselves by
hunting the Dassie with kerries. Two or three boys
will silently steal up within throwing distance and
simultaneously hurl their kerries, which are sticks
with knobs on the end.

The flesh, although edible, is not often eaten by
Europeans, as it is dry and tasteless ; and, moreover,
after the large paunch is removed, the quantity of
flesh upon the bones is surprisingly small.

The principal enemies of the Dassie among the
lower animals are the various species of wild cats,
chief among which arc the Leopard, Serval, Lynx
and Kafir Cat. The Mungoose and the Muishond
also prey upon it. The smaller of the Mungooses,
and the Muishonds, of which there are two kinds,
viz. the Striped Muishond and the Snake Muishond,
are especially dreaded by the Dassie, for, owing to
the slender nature of their bodies, they are able to
pursue and follow the Dassie to its innermost lair.
Therefore, seek shelter where they will, they are at
the mercy of these fierce and bloodthirsty little
carnivorous animals.

The Eagles also levy a heavy toll upon the Klip
Dassie, and in spite of their watchfulness, these wary
birds frequently succeed in surprising them out upon
the rocks, or when feeding.

Their greatest enemy among the Eagle tribe is
Verreaux's Eagle {Aquila verrcauxi) ^v^Yiich. is known
to the Dutch as the Dassie-vanger, which means
Dassie-catcher. The home of this bird is among

232

THE ROCK OR KLIP DASSIE

the high mountain ranges, from which it makes
extensive flights in search of food, which consists
largely of Klip Dassies.

The Southern Lammcrgeyer {Gypatus ossifragus)^
known to the Dutch as the Lammervanger, which
means lamb-catcher, is another bird which haunts
the mountains and preys on the Dassie.

In Natal, Zululand and some other parts of South
Africa, the Python {Python scbcs) is a formidable
enemy of the Dassie. This great snake, which
attains a length of 20 feet, lies concealed in the rocky
haunts of the Dassie, and captures them when they
happen to come within reach. Lying coiled in a
clump of bush, the snake, with an incredibly swift
motion, darts out with gaping jaws, and should it
succeed in getting a grip with its sharp recurved
teeth, there is no hope of escape for the victim, for
in an instant the great coils are around it, which
within a couple of minutes crush the life out of it.
The Dassie is then swallowed whole.

A belief is widespread in South Africa that there
is a snake of great size which lives among the rocks.
It is alleged to possess the body of a snake, and the
head and shoulders of a Dassie. It is known as the
Dassie-Adder. Needless to say, there is no such
snake. The belief probably had its origin in a
Hottentot or other native suddenly coming across
a Rock Leguan (Varanus albigulanis). The man
no doubt rushed away in an extremity of terror,
and his distorted imagination deceived him into

233

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

the belief that it was a monster snake, and so the
behef was spread. A considerable number of utterly
foundationless beliefs in regard to snakes, their
venom and the treatment of snake-bite, are implicitly
believed in by large numbers of colonists. These
and numbers of others in regard to the treatment
of stock, and disease in human beings, have been
absorbed from the Hottentots and Kafirs.

There are a considerable number of species of
Klip or Rock Dassies in Africa north of the Zambesi,
and in Arabia and Syria, but there is only one kind
in South Africa.

The Klip Dassie is the size of an adult rabbit,
but it is minus a tail, and the ears are short.

The fur is soft and fine, and dark sepia-brown in
colour. The lower parts are whitish. The limbs
are short, and the body full and plump. The eyes
are small, black and rather prominent.

THE TREE DASSIE

Also known as the Bosch Dassie and the Boom

Dassie

{Procavia arhorea)

Unlike its cousin, which lives among the stony hills,
the Tree Dassie inhabits the forests of Africa, and it
makes its home aloft amongst the branches of the
trees. They have no claws to the feet, and do
not grip the branches, but, nevertheless, they are

234

THE TREE DASSIE

marvellously quick and sure-footed. They run along
the boughs and leap with the greatest of judgment.

The lair of the Tree Dassie is in the hollow trunks
of the trees, and the cavities in large branches. In
the virgin forests of South Africa there are great
numbers of old trees which afford ample shelter
for the Bush Dassie within their hollow interiors.
In these cavities they sleep at night, seek shelter
from the rain or their enemies, and rear their young,
which average three at a birth.

The Bush Dassie is common in the forest districts
of the eastern parts of Cape Province, and extends
north at least as far as East Africa. It was common
in the vicinity of Port Elizabeth in the past, but
owing to the extensive felling of the native trees
which afforded the requisite shelter, it has disap-
peared, although it is still common in Alexandria
District.

On one occasion I was present when a Sneezewood
tree was cut down. It proved to be hollow, with
an opening between two branches at the top of the
trunk, and within the cavity we found a family of
Tree Dassies, which we could not dislodge until the
trunk was cut across. We poked them out, where-
upon they scampered off, and running up an adja-
cent tree, vanished in a few seconds.

A second species of Tree Dassie, known as Bruce's
Dassie {Procavia hrucii), occurs in Rhodesia, south
of the Zambesi, and is therefore included as one
of the South African animals, as, in a Zoological

235

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

sense, the territory south of the Zambesi and Cunene
Rivers is termed South Africa ; and all animals, birds,
reptiles, insects and plants found south of those
rivers are catalogued as South African.

Bruce's Dassie is common from the neighbourhood
of the Zambesi, north as far as Abyssinia. There
are other species in Africa, but as they occur north
of the Zambesi they do not concern us. The Tree
Dassie is unique, for the reason that it is the only
animal belonging to the hoofed or Ungulate Order
of animals which lives in trees.

Its diet consists entirely of the vegetation of the
native forests, including the plants which grow upon
the ground, for the Tree Dassie, although it sub-
sists largely on the leaves and tender shoots of the
trees, freely descends to the ground in search of food,
but will never venture far from the bush, into which
it instantly runs on the slightest sign of danger.
On moonlight nights the Tree Dassie ventures forth,
and at these times, and during the early morning,
their squalling cries, which begin with a clucking
sort of noise, can frequently be heard.

Lying upon the ground under a dense bush in a
forest in Natal, I was peacefully sleeping, wrapped
in a waterproof blanket, when the stillness was
broken by a noise overhead. I opened my eyes and
beheld two dark forms scuttling about among the
branches, one of which was evidently chasing the
other with evil intent, for on overtaking it a scuffle
ensued. Losing their balance they fell, and on

236

THE TREE DASSIE

beholding me they ran off into the bush. They were
Tree Dassies. Attracted evidently by the noise, and
hoping to secure a meal, a Serval Cat emerged from
an adjacent thicket and, with a bound, was nearly
on top of me. I jumped up with a shout, where-
upon it vanished as rapidly as it had appeared.

The Tree Dassie is a perfectly harmless animal,
and does not the slightest harm in any way to man,
and it should not, therefore, be persecuted by us.
It is a strange trait in human nature, this inward
prompting to take life, for when any creature is
sighted, the impulse instantly arises to shoot it, or
do it an injury by hurling a stick or a stone at it,
or incite dogs to run it down. It may be sport to
the hunter, but it is death to the animal. This
desire to destroy the lives of innocent and often
eminently useful creatures, is without doubt a survival
of the destructive instincts of our remote savage
ancestors when they were in, what anthropologists
term, the Hunter Phase of culture or evolution.

When lying securely concealed in a dense thicket,
it is an interesting sight to watch a family of Tree
Dassies nimbly traversing the branches, pausing at
intervals to listen intently, for the Serval or Bush
Cat is an enemy the Dassie is in constant dread of,
for with a spring it can launch itself from the ground
straight up a tree trunk, or to a branch a distance of
8 to lo feet, and seizing its prey with its front claws
it drops with it to the ground.

The Leopard, the Caracal or Lynx, the Kafir Cat,

237

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

the Eagle Owl and the Python arc all ever on the
alert to snap up a Tree Dassie. The Eagle Owl,
sitting silently on a large branch among the dense
foliage in the early hours of the evening or bright
moonlight night, drops like a stone upon any unwary
Dassie which might run along a branch beneath it.
So closely do these owls blend with the colour of the
branches, twigs, leaves, and light and shade, that
when sitting bunched up on a branch they are
practically Invisible, even to a Tree Dassie. Of the
three species inhabiting South Africa, the Spotted
Eagle Owl {Bubo maculosus) is the most persistent
hunter of Tree Dassies. Its flight is noiseless, and
in the gloaming it may often be seen gliding silently
over the forest trees and dipping down Into the
glades, and should a Tree Dassie be sighted, a rapid
dash is made at it.

Watching some of these Dassies one evening just
before dark in a clearing in a forest, where they had
descended to the ground and were feeding upon
the sweet grasses, I observed an Eagle Owl suddenly
appear over the tops of the adjacent trees. With
shrill squeaks the Dassies scattered, but within two
or three seconds of the appearance of the Owl it had
dropped upon one and had it in Its talons. Grip-
ping It tight, the bird soon put an end to its life
by a few blows on the skull with its beak. It then,
without any further delay, began to devour it.
After eating a portion, it flew off with the remainder,
probably to serve as a meal for a nestful of young

238

THE TREE DASSIE

ones. This owl is, nevertheless, of great economic
value as a rat killer.

In many districts inhabited by the Tree Dassie
the Python does not occur, but in the habitat of this
snake the Dassie has a terrible enemy, for lying con-
cealed along a branch vi^ith the tail gripping a twig,
the Python drops upon its victim or makes a sudden
dart, and once gripped by the strong, recurved teeth
of the serpent, there is no hope of escape for the
victim. When striking at their prey these snakes
are exceedingly active and expert. I watched one of
them strike at a large bird in a tree. The reptile was
lying coiled on some branches, and the bird settled
on a branch several feet away. In an instant the
snake launched its body forward, seized the bird in
its jaws, and swung the full length of its body,
hanging from a twig which it gripped firmly with
its tail.

The Dassie is not even safe from these dreaded
snakes when lying snugly within its lair in the
hollow trunk of a forest tree, for the Python,
finding the entrance, insinuates its long body therein
and captures and draws the inmate out, or should
the cavity be large, it enters and forthwith proceeds
to swallow every Dassie in that particular lair.

Such are the tragedies which are being enacted
in the lower animal world. The town-dweller
knows nothing of the teeming life of the forest, veld,
mountain and stream. He is so engrossed in his own
affairs and those of his kind, that it does not occur

239

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

to him that countless numbers of other hving
creatures are Hving out their Hves, and under more
strenuous conditions than is the case with him.
Perchance if he should give a thought to them, it
is with a desire to take a holiday, and armed with
a gun sally forth and wantonly wound and kill
them.

It seems so ordained that in order that any crea-
ture might live, it must be capable of protecting
itself from the many enemies with which it is sur-
rounded, and which are ever on the alert to kill it.
Such is the way intelligence is evolved. It is an
unceasing struggle for the survival of the fittest,
and in that struggle those possessing the most
efficient physical body, and the most intelligent
brain, survive and perpetuate their species, and
thus transmit their superior qualities to their
descendants.

The Bush Dassie has disappeared from many
districts owing to the felling of the trees, in the
hollow interiors of which they found ample shelter.
Whole districts in the past were denuded of trees,
the wood of which was used for firewood and for
fencing poles.

This Bush Dassie is the size of an ordinary rabbit.
Unlike the rabbit, however, it is devoid of a tail,
and its ears are small. It can at once be distinguished
from the Klip or Rock Dassie by its grey fur, and a
white patch which is present on the lower part
of its back. Bruce's Dassie differs but little from

240

THE TREE DASSIE

the typical South African species. The only ex-
ternal difference is, the patch on the back is yellowish
instead of white. However, in the Alexandria
District of the Cape Province I procured a specimen
on which the patch is distinctly yellow, and not
white.

VOL. Ill 241 16

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT

{Elephas africanus)

Indhlovu of Zulus and Amaxosa ; Incubu of Matabele ; Thloo
of Bechuanas ; Tlo of Barotse ; Thlo of Ngami ; Muzovu
of Chila ; ^Tepo of M'Kua ; Njovu of Waganda, Chilala and
Chibisa ; Arb of Galla ; Dakana of Danakil ; Fyl of Sudani ;
Giwa of Hausa ; Marodi of Somali ; Zahon of Abyssinia ;
Temba of Swahili.

The African Elephant, or Oliphant of the Dutch
colonists, inhabits the wooded regions of Africa from
the eastern parts of the Cape Province to the Sudan.
It was formerly common all over South Africa, even
in the vicinity of what is now Cape Town. Elephants
were abundant in the Cape Peninsula in the early
days of Van Riebeck about the year 1653. An
Elephant was shot not far from Cape Town in the
year 1702. In 1761 they were common immediately
north of the Oliphant River in the district of Clan-
william. In the more densely wooded eastern parts
of the Cape Province, Elephants were systematically
hunted for sport and profit until about the year
1830.

In Natal, Elephants survived the constant persecu-
tion to which they were subjected till about i860.
Beginning at the Cape, the extermination of
Elephants proceeded north, west and east, and to

242

The African l-^lephant.

From a painting by Cnf^tnin //'. Cortncnllis flat) is, 1S40.

A mounted gmup nl \\ lnic m Square-lipped Rhinoceroses in the
National Museum of Natural History, U.S.A.

/•'roil! the American Museum Journal.

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT

save this wonderful descendant of the extinct
Mastodon and Mammoth, the few survivors that
remained were taken under Government protection.
At the present day about 150 Elephants exist in
the Addo Bush and a few in the Knysna forest in the
eastern part of the Cape Province, in the districts
of Knysna, Uitenhage and Alexandria.

A few still linger in the dense bush on the border
of Swaziland and the Transvaal, and in Portuguese
East Africa from the Maputa to the Limpopo
River.

In Southern Rhodesia, and in Portuguese terri-
tory, between Beira and the Zambesi, a goodly
number are to be found.

North of the Zambesi Elephants still live in large
herds, especially so in the Congo regions.

In January 191 8 Zululand's last Elephant was
found dead on Mr. Manie van Rooyen's farm on the
north bank of the Umfolozi River. The animal
was one of a large herd that used to inhabit the
banks of the Umfolozi and the Dug-ugugu forest,
during the early part of Cetewayo's reign. Cetewayo
organised a big hunt to get certain portions of their
bodies for medicine. When on one occasion two
were killed (a large bull and a cow) and several
wounded, one of the latter managed to kill one of
the chief's best hunters, who got too daring while
creeping through the reeds after a wounded animal,
and found himself almost under it. An eye-witness
who tells the story, says the man's rifle was thrown

243

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

quite a hundred yards away, and he was torn and
trampled to pulp. The whole herd broke away and
only this one Elephant was left, and all the old
natives believe he was the one that killed the hunter.
He has been the only one in Zululand from that
time. The tusks measure about 7 feet 6 inches.
Occasionally Elephants cross the Zululand border
from Portuguese territory.

The African Elephant inhabits the forest districts,
but does not confine itself to the dense jungles, as
does its Indian cousin. When frequently persecuted
it retires deep into the forests, but in districts where
it is not subjected to persecution, it wanders in herds
through the bush-veld and comparatively open,
broken country. They are gregarious, and may
sometimes be seen in great herds of from 300 to 400
individuals. These large herds are usually com-
posed of cows, calves and immature bulls. The
adult bulls associate in small herds or bands of half-
a-dozen to about a score, or go about in twos, threes,
or singly, during the dry season.

On the apprt)ach of the breeding or mating time,
which is during the rainy season, the bulls are found
associated with the females.

Solitary bulls, according to Selous, are not more
vicious than others, and are even less aggressive than
cows and young bulls. This, however, is not so with
the herds of Elephants in the Addo Bush. During
the past dozen years several solitary bulls have been
shot on account of their savage attacks upon people

244

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT

and property. Until recently two old bulls were a
constant source of dread to the Europeans and
natives in the neighbourhood. A Hottentot herd
man, accompanied by a terrier dog, penetrated a
portion of the Addo Bush one day in search of a
missing ox, and when traversing a sparsely-wooded
portion of the bush, a big bull Elephant suddenly
charged down upon him. He had barely time to
creep beneath a dense patch of thorny Mimosa scrub
before the beast was upon him. It stamped furi-
ously around the tangled bush, which bristled with
long, sharp thorns, vainly seeking an opening through
which to thrust in its trunk. It made desperate
efforts to smash the bush by sheer weight, but with-
out success. It stood staring at the trembling
Hottentot for a few minutes, apparently thinking
intently. Then, turning round, it deliberately
backed into the stout, thorny scrub and endeavoured
to sit on the miserable man, who squirmed and
wriggled frantically. After several attempts, the
Elephant succeeded in crushing down the stiff
thorny branches to such an extent that the man was
in as much danger of death from the sharp, three-
inch long thorns, as from being sat upon by the
Elephant. While this performance was going on,
the Hottentot's terrier dog had been badgering the
Elephant, especially so when the great beast was
attempting to sit upon his master. Irritated and
infuriated by innumerable stabs from the thorns
and the barking of the dog, the Elephant, with a

245

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

scream of rage, charged the little creature. This
was the Hottentot's opportunity, and, gliding from
his thorny retreat, now nearly demolished, he sped
away into the dense bush, and eventually reached
home, punctured all over with thorns.

During times of drought the Addo Elephants,
driven almost mad with thirst, often break out of
the bush during the night and make their way to the
farmers' dams, and do considerable damage. It is
a common occurrence for them to break down fences
in the neighbourhood. Some of the exasperated
farmers shoot at them whenever they appear, and
set spring-guns at various exits from the bush. A
farmer who lives on the outskirts of the Addo Bush
employs a man for the sole purpose of repairing the
damage done by Elephants to his fences. There
are at least three herds of Elephants in the
Addo Bush, and several parties of five or six to
a dozen individuals. These Elephants retire to
the densest portions of the forest in a great kloof
known as Long Kloof, and during the daytime and
at night they issue forth to feed, and traverse con-
siderable distances, visiting isolated patches of bush
in the neighbourhood. There are regular beaten
tracks which they traverse nightly. To reach some
of their feeding grounds they are obliged to travel
over open, treeless veld. They take care, however,
to get back to sanctuary in the densely-wooded
kloofs before dawn.

Several of the Elephants in the herds are in a
246

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT

crippled condition owing, no doubt, to injuries
received from rifle-shots or spring cannons, which
are sometimes set in their tracks. An Elephant bull
which was shot in this bush some years ago had
several rifle-bullets in it, as well as a brass cannon-
ball an inch in diameter.

A farmer living in the vicinity of the bush, said
that he firmly believed the majority of the Addo
Elephants " were full of lead."

The only way by which the farmers can save their
dams and fences at times, is by blazing into the herd
with rifles.

A Hottentot was chased by a small herd of these
Elephants one day, and in order to escape he fired
the herbage in his rear. The Elephants deliber-
ately stopped and stamped out the fire, possibly
imagining it to be some new kind of enemy. Several
Europeans and natives have been killed at various
times by the Addo Elephants.

A farmer who had shot an Elephant on the out-
skirts of the bush, followed the herd into cover.
He was stalked by an old cow Elephant and slain,
the animal pounding his body to pulp.

A Hottentot proceeding home along one of the
roads through a portion of the bush was met by an
Elephant, which immediately charged, overtook and
killed him.

Sometimes cattle wander into the bush, and the
Elephants, resenting their presence, slay them.

An old bull Elephant, locally known as " Baard-
247

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

man," was greatly dreaded by both Europeans and
natives living in the vicinity of Addo Bush. He
charged out one day on a Dutchman named Ver-
maak and killed him. On another occasion he v^^ay-
laid an inoffensive native, and with a stroke of his
trunk knocked him down and pounded his body
beyond recognition. A Hottentot, seeking lost
cattle on the outskirts of the bush, was stalked by
this vicious old Elephant. The man fled, pursued
by this great beast, and when almost overtaken he
spied an Aard-Vark hole, down which he crept.
The Elephant raged, stamped and tore up the soil
in masses with his tusks, but realising his intended
prey had escaped him, he sullenly retired. On
another occasion a Hottentot sought sanctuary
down an Aard-Vark hole, but his pursuer did not
realise he had escaped into the earth, and con-
cluded he was up a tree. Determined to pound the
life out of the man, he systematically tore down
every tree in the immediate vicinity of the Aard-
Vark hole, and scattered them over the ground.
Knowing by his keen sense of smell that the man
was concealed somewhere near, he stamped up and
down and round about until all the herbage had
been flattened out. At last, utterly baffled, he
retreated. An hour later the half-smothered
Hottentot crept out and sped away to safety. This
old bull was a terror to poachers. There was another
rogue bull Elephant. He was as vicious as " Baard-
man," and his reputation for unprovoked assaults on

248

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT

men and animals were as bad as that of the other.
Making his way early one morning to a farmer's
dam, he released the spring of a cannon set at the
side of the track. He was mortally wounded, but
managed, with the assistance of his wives, to travel
some distance. He eventually collapsed, and for
several days this old chieftain was tended and guarded
by the cows. A couple were seen to pay regular
visits to a neighbouring dam, and returning, they
squirted the water down the dying Elephant's throat.
The others kept guard over him during the night,
and on the approach of day covered him carefully
with leafy branches torn from trees, to shield him
from the hot sun and flies, and to conceal him from
possible discovery by enemies. Meanwhile the cows
retired to the adjacent bush, and no doubt one or
more of their number kept a vigilant watch over
their expiring lord. For three or four days after he
died the cows kept guard over his carcase. By the
time my taxidermist and party were able, with
comparative safety, to approach, the body was
decayed. However, we secured the skeleton and
tusks for the Port Elizabeth Museum. We found
the ground and herbage, all round the body of the
Elephant, stamped down by the cows, who had been
watched from afar, walking round and round, doing
sentry-go, stopping ever and anon to caress their
dying lord. Although the cows had retired, they
still lingered in the neighbourhood, for while my
men were busy carving up the carcase, the entire

249

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

herd came charging down upon them. Luckily the
men heard them coming while yet some distance
away, and managed to escape in time.

A few years ago a sportsman stalked a small herd
of Addo Elephants, and mortally wounded the bull.
The cows made off, but finding the bull was unable
to follow, they quickly returned. Some of them
made a furious charge at the sportsman, who rode
off to escape them. The others, meanwhile, ranged
up on either side of the wounded bull, and supported
him with their bodies, trunks and tusks. In this
way they helped him along towards the heart of the
bush, but their aid was in vain, for he eventually
laid down and died.

On another occasion a party of sportsmen in search
of Buffalo surprised a herd of Elephants in this same
bush ; one was a herd bull and the rest were cows.
On the instant several cows hustled and pushed the
bull off through the dense, tangled bush, while the
remainder formed up in the rear, and so threatening
was their demeanour, that had a shot been fired
they would assuredly have charged down upon the
party. It is extremely dangerous for a man to
penetrate deep into the Addo Bush in pursuit of
Elephants, for the various trees of which this great
bush is made up only average from 6 to 12 feet in
height, and are in consequence of no use to climb
into should the Elephants become aggressive. The
bush is too thick to make it possible to hunt the
Elephant on horseback, and a man stands a very

250

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT

poor chance of escape on foot, owing to the keen
sense of smell possessed by Elephants.

A native traversing a pathway in the bush met a
bull Elephant. It instantly charged him, and the
man fled in wild alarm along a pathway in the bush.
Losing his scent, the Elephant made a circular detour
until he picked it up, whereupon he charged
in the direction of the native. The man again
doubled and got behind the beast, which again lost
the scent. Once again it made off in a wide circle,
and the moment it sniffed the tainted air it charged
up-wind. Time and again these manoeuvres were
repeated by man and beast, until eventually the
native reached the neighbourhood of a farmhouse.
This old Elephant, having been shot at more than
once from this particular farm, was unwilling to
again venture into the open in its vicinity, so the
native ultimately escaped.

Although so ponderous and huge, the tread of
these animals is soft and inaudible. This and their
keen powers of scent make them dangerous beasts
to tackle in their forest retreats.

During the hot weather Elephants sleep in a
standing position under the shade of a tree, their
large ears moving like punkas all the time to cool
their bodies and to drive off winged insect pests.
But for the moving ears an elephant would often
be passed unnoticed, so closely does the light and
shade blend with their earth-coloured bodies. When
the foliage is disturbed by a breeze, the moving

251

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

ears arc not so likely to attract attention, and cases
are on record of men actually walking up to within
a yard or two of an Elephant before seeing it.
Elephants feed during the night and early morning.
In the summer season they drink nightly, but not
so frequently when the weather is cooler. They
love to wallow and squirt water over themselves.

Their diet consists of wild fruits, berries, twigs,
leaves, various kinds of succulent plants, roots,
bark, etc. They seldom eat grass. The Elephant
is equally at home in flat forest country, or in broken
hilly "parts. They go up-hill at a slow, deliberate
pace, but come down with a rush when disturbed,
often sliding on their haunches with their hind-legs
doubled under them.

They are excellent swimmers, and swim with the
trunk held high up, and very little of the body
showing.

When feeding they spread out over a considerable
area, and in districts where they are persecuted they
are almost constantly on the move. When alarmed
the pace is a shuffling trot, swift enough to over-
take a man on foot, after a short run. When hard
pressed by a hunter they soon get exhausted, and
frequently draw water from their stomachs with
their trunks, and squirt it over their heads to cool
and revive themselves.

The period of gestation of the African Elephant
is not known, but it is assumed it is the same as the
Indian species, which is about twenty-one months.

252

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT

The calf is suckled by the mother for about two
years. It sucks with its mouth, and not with the
trunk. The latter, at first, is short and not very
flexible. The milk tusks are shed at from five to
six months. A hunter related to me how in Northern
Rhodesia he encountered some Elephants. Among
them was a tusked cow with a newly-born calf.
She pushed her tusks under the calf, lapped her
trunk over its body and carried it off.

Should one of its legs be broken, or the bone badly
damaged, an Elephant is helpless. The Boer hunters
of the early days took advantage of this, and riding
alongside an elephant, the hunter would shoot at
the knee, and if successful he at once made off in
pursuit of the herd, crippling as many animals as
he could before the herd escaped to cover. Return-
ing at his leisure, he killed the helpless Elephants.
In those days the guns were of the flint-lock and
percussion-cap type, and it often required a number
of shots, fired at close range, to kill an Elephant. A
single well-directed shot with a modern rifle will
kill one of these great animals.

The sense of smell is exceedingly keen in the
Elephant, but sight and hearing are dull.

Although under exceptional conditions Elephants
attack men without provocation, as is the case with
some of those in the Addo Bush, yet by nature they
are shy and timid, and when persecuted will rush
away for miles in wild alarm on getting the faintest
whiff of the scent of a man. When pursued and in

253

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

danger of being overtaken, one of the herd will often
fall to the rear, face about and charge. This is
truly a splendid example of self-sacrifice of the
individual for the good of the many. Sometimes
short charges in the direction of the approaching
enemy will be made, with the endeavour to delay his
advance sufficiently to allow the herd to escape.

When wounded, an Elephant will often charge a
hunter, and many a man has in this way been slain.
When inclined to charge, the Elephant cocks his
ears, holds his tail straight up and carefully surveys
his surroundings, meanwhile endeavouring to locate
his foe by raising his trunk and sniffing the air. The
moment he detects his foe by sight, sound or scent,
he charges down on him, usually screaming loud and
shrilly with rage. When charging, an African
Elephant holds its trunk hanging down in front of
its chest, and not drawn up under the jaws like the
Indian Elephant under similar circumstances. The
most dangerous and vicious Elephants are the tusk-
less females. A charging Elephant, as a general rule,
can be turned by a bullet, even should the bullet not
strike him in a vital part. When alarmed. Elephants
go off at a shuffling trot, and never break into a
gallop. They cannot maintain this trot for long,
and soon settle down to a swift swinging walk, often
not pausing for many miles. The old Dutch hunters
termed this long, swift step " de long stap."

Captain McQueen, an African explorer, had an
alarming experience with an elephant. He wounded

254

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT

one and it charged. Knocking him down it sought
to pound the life out of him. Each time it brought
its great foot down with the force of a steam-hammer
he squirmed out of the way. Several times he suc-
ceeded in escaping the descending foot by twisting
and writhing. Eventually the foot caught his right
arm and pulverised it. This was the animal's
expiring effort, for it staggered a few paces and
dropped dead.

More or less decomposed remains of Elephants'
skeletons, chiefly tusks and teeth, are often found in
the vicinity of Port Elizabeth. A very large tusk in
a decayed condition was found in the heart of a dense
thicket a couple of miles from the city. It had been
hacked from the head, and showed the rough axe
cuts. It had probably been concealed in the thicket
by some ancient aboriginal hunter and never re-
claimed, for no European would have hacked off so
valuable a tusk in so crude a manner.

The flesh of the Elephant is coarse in the grain,
but is of fair flavour, and is relished even by
Europeans. The portions favoured for food by the
Boer hunters of old were the thick part of the trunk,
the fatty flesh in the large hollow above the eye, the
heart and the foot. The latter was usually baked
with its skin on, in a hole in the ground. To bake
a foot thoroughly in this manner was a rather
lengthy process, for a good fire had to be kept con-
stantly burning over the spot for about forty-eight
hours. When thoroughly baked in this way, the

255

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

flesh of the foot became so soft and gelatinous that
it could be scraped out with a spoon.

It has been asserted that the African Elephant is
too vicious and unreliable to tame and train for
uses, such as those to which the Indian Elephant is
employed. Experience and experiment have, how-
ever, proved the African species to be as amenable
to training, and as docile and intelligent as their
Indian cousins.

The chief objection is the great cost of feeding
such huge beasts. However, for military transport
purposes under favourable conditions, and in expedi-
tions into the interior of Africa, for instance, they
should be of great value. In Classical times African
Elephants were captured in large numbers and
trained for military purposes. There are records
which show that Elephants were used by Ptolemy
Euergetes, 246-221 B.C., in military expeditions.

When natives succeed in killing an Elephant,
every part of the carcase, except the intestines, are
utilised. Every pound of the flesh is eaten, the skin
is converted into whips, or cut up into strips and
bartered to traders along with the ivory ; the skin
of the stomach is converted into a blanket, and the
oil-laden marrow bones are broken up and boiled.

Wholesale destruction of Elephants occurred in
the past for the sake of the ivory, which had, and
still has, a high commercial value. In most, if not
all, of the African States, Elephants are now under
the protection of the various Governments ; but,

256

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT

nevertheless, in the remote districts considerable
numbers of these animals continue to be destroyed.

The ivory is from the tusks, and it is of two kinds,
viz. hard and soft. The hard ivory is from the
Elephants which inhabit the dry western side of
Africa ; and the soft kind, is from the Elephants
living in the moist, densely-wooded, eastern side
of the Continent. The soft ivory commands a higher
price than the other. Apart from its hardness or
softness. Elephant ivory varies in quality. The tusks
of old bull Elephants vary considerably in size, and
attain a length of about ii feet. They may weigh
from 50 to 100 lbs. or more. Average herd bulls
possess tusks weighing about 50 lbs. each, while the
average for old bulls is from 60 lbs. to 80 lbs., and
measure about 6 feet in length, one-third of which
is embedded in a socket in the skull. These large
tusks vary in circumference from about 18 to 24
inches at the base.

The largest tusk on record is 11 feet 5| inches
long, i8| inches in circumference, and 293 lbs. in
weight. This is in the American National Col-
lection, and came from East Africa.

The tusks of average adult cows weigh from 12 to
24 lbs. each. Tuskless Elephants are rare in East
Equatorial Africa, but are not uncommon in the
south.

The African Elephant is larger than the Indian
species ; it differs also in the shape of the skull and
the ears, which are very large. It also has a more

VOL. Ill 257 17

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

lanky appearance, and its back between the shoulders
and the rump is concave ; whereas in the Indian
Elephant it is convex.

It is the largest and heaviest of all land animals.
An adult bull stands from lo to ii feet at the
shoulders, and about 12^ feet from the eye to the
root of the tail, and the circumference of a fore-foot
averages 5 feet. The skin is rough slate-colour and
sparsely covered with black bristles, which are hardly
noticeable. The trunk is divided at the tip so as
to form two small, sensitive, grasping fingers, which
are capable of being used for picking up quite tiny
objects. The front feet have four hoofs, and the
hind ones three. The female Elephant is smaller
than the male, and the tusks are shorter and thinner.

The tusks are present in both sexes, although
females are sometimes without them, and on rare
occasions even males are tuskless. Tuskless females
are common in the Addo Bush.

A dwarf race {Elephas Africanus pumilis) exists in
the Congo regions.

African Elephants have been divided up into
several sub-species or local races.

A gentleman related a most interesting episode.
He was lying concealed watching for the appearance
of a Bushbuck in the Addo Bush. Presently several
Elephants passed across the glade he had under
observation. A cow was seen to sit down on her
haunches with one back leg bent, and the other
extended on the ground to suckle its baby. When

258

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT

the mother considered the little one had been suffi-
ciently fed, it gently but firmly pushed it aside
with its trunk and rose. This occurred during July
1918.

After good rains a certain natural dam or pond gets
filled with water. On one side there is an incline,
and after the elephants have slaked their thirst they
walk round to the top of the incline and, crouching
on their haunches, they slide down like children
tobogganing, meanwhile screaming, grunting and
trumpeting in a sheer abandonment of delight. The
youngsters are sometimes noticed to be rather timid
and nervous. In those instances the adults gently
coax and wheedle them, and should they still hesi-
tate they are pushed over the brink, and away they
go down the slope and into the muddy water. To
witness such a sight needs infinite patience and care.
Much of what has been written about animals in
the past is more or less inaccurate, being merely the
outcome of reasoning on what an animal would be
most likely to do under given circumstances. As a
matter of fact they, as often as not, do the contrary.

Cow Elephants with small calves are often seen
in the Addo Bush in the months of June, July and
August. The calves seem to be born mostly about
June.

A pathetic incident occurred one day. A farmer
on the look-out for Bushbuck suddenly encountered
a family consisting of a half-grown Elephant, a cow
and young calf. The man instantly and wantonly

259

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

opened fire. The mother Elephant hustled its calf
along with its trunk, meanwhile shielding it from
danger with her body. Eventually she fell mortally
wounded. The half-grown Elephant, which was no
doubt the calf's elder brother, hearing his mother
screaming, dashed back, and putting his trunk be-
tween the hind-legs of the calf, pushed the now
unwilHng youngster off as fast as he could. The so-
called sportsman, unable to appreciate the sublime
nature of this act, blazed away as fast as he could.
The Elephant, now badly wounded, staggered and
rolled on, still intent on saving his little brother.
At last, receiving a mortal wound, he fell to rise no
more. The calf, thereupon, ran back to its dead
mother.

A resident of Addo related to me an instance
which seems to show the Elephant possesses some
capacity for fun. Following a bull, cow and calf
in the Addo Bush, the spoor led past the nest of an
ostrich. The eggs had been taken out of the nest
and placed neatly in threes around it. The owner
of the ostrich, who accompanied the gentleman,
said one egg was missing. Following the spoor for
about a mile, a termite hill was encountered, and the
missing egg was balanced on top of it. The top of
the heap was too round and smooth to balance the
eggy so the Elephant flattened it slightly with its foot
to receive the egg. Proceeding further, a large iron
gate was found to have been lifted off its hinges
and was gone. Half-a-mile further along, the spoor

260

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT

entered a narrow road, and across this the Elephants
had placed the gate in an erect position.

A venturesome native sallied forth one moonlight
night into the Addo Bush to try and shoot a buck.
Turning a corner of a big patch of bush he came
upon a small group of Elephants. Trumpeting
shrilly one of them charged. The native dropped
his gun and fled. His only chance of life w^as to
reach a windmill on Mr. Louis Walton's farm.
Reaching his goal he lost no time in climbing up.
The baffled Elephant raged and stamped, and im-
potently shook the iron standards of the windmill.
The native was in a rather bad way aloft. He lay
hanging over one of the iron cross-pieces, and in
dreadful fear lest the wind would rise and start the
wheel revolving, in which case he would have been
dashed to the ground. After a couple of hours' siege
the Elephant retreated, and the terrified man,
now benumbed with cold, slid to earth and made for
home.

The rogue Elephant " Longtoe," already referred
to, was so called because one of his toes was
abnormally long.

When seriously alarmed the Addo Elephants
instantly scatter in all directions through the bush.
Subsequently the herd bull trumpets loudly as a
signal for the scattered herd to converge to him.
When again united they travel several miles without
a halt.

On a calm quiet night the Elephants can often
261

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

be located nearly a quarter of a mile away by the
rumbling of the gas in their bowels.

A well-known and highly respected farmer was
killed some years ago by an Addo Elephant. He
captured a small calf Elephant which subsequently
died. He was so charmed with its novel and frolic-
some ways that he made up his mind to get another,
against the advice of his friends, who gravely warned
him of the risk he ran.

Encountering a cow with a small calf in the bush,
he shot and wounded her. She charged, caught
him up with her trunk, swung him in a half circle
through the branches and twigs, and violently cast
him down preparatory to stamping on him. Attrill's
companion, a young European named Crick, of rather
weak intellect and erratic habits, but nevertheless
a keen and experienced hunter, fired repeatedly,
but in the excitement of the moment failed to bring
the Elephant down. Anyway, before the cow could
stamp on Attrill's body. Crick succeeded in shooting
her through the brain.

Attrill's neck was broken, and his body bruised
almost to pulp by the terrific friction of the branches
through which he had been swept by the vicious
swing of the elephant's trunk, and the smashing
force with which the Elephant hurled him to the
ground.

The shock so affected Crick that he never
recovered. He remained gloomy and morose, and
a year later vanished utterly. Subsequently, a

262

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT

farmer when hunting found the remains of Crick's
body in the bush. His dog came out of a dense
mass of scrub with a bone, which the farmer recog-
nised as human. Investigations revealed Crick's
body, or rather, skeleton, enveloped in tattered
clothing. The skeleton was in a crouching position.
The feet were still in the boots ; the knees were bent,
the body resting on them, and the head was on the
ground. Beneath the body lay a rusty revolver
with one cartridge discharged. Retiring to the
very heart of the Elephant-haunted bush. Crick
destroyed his body that his spirit might join that
of the man he loved. Crick was a most interesting
character. Too restless and erratic to settle to any
employment, he hunted the Addo Bush for game.
For many days in succession he would disappear into
the bush. Once upon a spoor he followed it up like
a Red Indian, nay ! I do him an injustice, a Red
Indian was a tyro in comparison. Killing a buck
he suspended it from a branch, kindled a fire and
dined, returning when hungry to the carcase, until
it was consumed or too decayed to eat. Only sheer
hunger drove him back to association with his fellow
beings. After earning enough money to buy
ammunition, tobacco, salt, sugar and coffee, he
disappeared into the bush. Contrary to Government
regulations, he shot and killed many an Elephant.
He took no chances of long shots. He would lie
concealed half the night, and often all night, at
a favourite Elephant resort. Waiting until an

263

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

Elephant was within a few yards, he would shoot it
through the brain. One day, when gliding swiftly
through the bush following the spoor of a Bushbuck,
he collided with a sleeping cow Elephant. With a
scream of rage she charged. Crick dived between
her legs and was off like a hare. By dodging,
doubling and making away down-wind he bafHed her
and escaped. Rather early one evening he shot an
Elephant bull. The great beast came down to a
sitting posture with the head on the ground. Think-
ing it was hors-de-combat he walked up to it. The
Elephant rose and charged. Crick, quick as thought,
shot upwards and dodged round its body to the rear.
The bullet had entered the brain, and the Elephant
fell dead.

When riding through parts of the Addo Bush I have
seen miles of fencing destroyed by the Elephants.
They smash it down to enable the calves to proceed.
Sometimes the poles are pulled up or smashed in
pure wantonness, the beasts resenting this encroach-
ment on the land they have always regarded as
their own. When a fencing post is too strongly
embedded in the ground to pull up, the biggest bull
puts one of his fore-feet on it and pushes, with the
result that the pole invariably snaps in two. Riding
along a newly-erected fence for a distance of five
miles, it was noticed to be trodden flat every here
and there for distances ranging from 50 to 500 yards
at a stretch.

I noticed numbers v of trees which had been
264

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT

denuded of their bark by Elephants. The bark is
sweet, and the Elephants feed on it. They peel
it off with the finger-like elongations at the end
of the trunk. With this wonderfully mobile and
sensitive apparatus the Elephant is able to denude
a tree of its fruit. I have seen trees in the Addo
Bush covered with small berries, and the follow-
ing morning the berries were all gone, and the
ground around showed Elephant spoor and steaming
dung. It was evident the Elephants had picked
off the berries during the night or in the early
morning.

The fellow-feeling, loyalty and attachment of
Elephants for one another is very touching, and we
could with advantage learn a good deal from them
in this respect.

One day a cow Elephant was shot in the Addo
Bush. The horde of coloured folk, who gathered
like vultures, carried off the flesh, and the skin was
dragged by two horses to a farm some miles distant.
The bull, under cover of darkness, returned to seek
his missing mate, and followed the spoor right up
to the homestead. Judging by the trampled earth
and vegetation, the poor, sorrow-stricken fellow must
have loitered about for hours, loth to leave the spot.
Realising eventually that she was dead, he wended
his way sorrowfully back to the herd to impart the
sad news.

The Addo Elephants flee in terror, as a rule, from
a European, but a Kafir they despise, having learned

265

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

from experience that they race away In the extremity
of fear when an Elephant puts in an appearance.

Mr. Oswald Smith was surveying out at Addo,
and after the day's work the instruments were locked
up in a stout little hut for the night. Returning
the following morning he discovered the Elephants
had been stamping round the hut, and had made
desperate efforts to demolish it. Mr. Smith is
assured the Elephants in passing got a whiff of the
typical " Kafir odour," and locating it in the hut,
they tried to get at their despised but hated enemy.
The odour emanated from the instruments which
Mr. Smith's native always carried.

These Elephants are very erratic in their behaviour
under given circumstances. When shot at they will
sometimes instantly charge in the direction of the
smoke, and at other times they stampede in wild
alarm. In the Addo Bush there are three herds
known to exist. Each herd numbers about thirty
individuals.

The farmers in the neighbourhood of the Addo
Bush complain bitterly of the danger to life and the
damage wrought by these Elephants, and demand
their extermination. The late Captain McQueen,
the African explorer, was commissioned by Govern-
ment to make a report on this vexed subject. He
reported that the Elephants broke out of the Addo
Bush and invaded the neighbouring farms only when
mad with thirst, and that if a sufficiency of water
was provided in their haunts they would not break

266

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT

out. In addition, he recommended Government
to employ some Indian Elephant-tamers to capture
and tame young Elephants, and train them to work
after the manner of the Indian Elephant, and to
raise revenue by selling them to various Zoological
Gardens.

It certainly seems reasonable to infer that if the
Elephants can obtain a sufficiency of food and water
within the sanctuary of the Addo Bush, they will
not make destructive raids to neighbouring farms.
The Elephant is a highly intelligent animal, and
does not risk its life unnecessarily. The whole
trouble is that fartners have been allowed to acquire
portions of the Addo Bush which should have been
retained as an Elephant Reserve.

It has been suggested that a reservoir be con-
structed, and that a deep ditch be dug, or a strong
fence erected, all around the Elephant Reserve. The
distance to be enclosed is approximately 13 miles.

At present the Elephants are protected in the
reserved portion of the Addo Bush, but farmers are
permitted to kill them if they trespass on their farms.
The exasperated farmers have spring-guns set at
various parts of their farms, but so wily and sagacious
are the Elephants that they rarely spring these
guns.

One of the herds, maddened by thirst, attempted
to get at a water-hole on Mr. Louis Walton's farm.
The herd bull sprung the trap, and was shot through
the neck. He turned, and after staggering about a

267

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

hundred yards he fell and died. The bushes and
grass along his line of retreat were drenched with
the poor fellow's blood.

The following report of the Select Committee
chosen by the Cape Provincial Government to report
on the Elephants, sums up the position :

" At the meeting of the Uitenhage Divisional
Council, the report of the Select Committee ap-
pointed by the Provincial Council to inquire into
the matter of Elephants in the Addo Bush was
distributed to members for perusal by the Secretary,
Mr. P. R. Heugh.

" The report was submitted to the Provincial
Council on Wednesday, April 24th, 191 8, and was
as follows :

" Your Committee is of the opinion that the herd
of Elephants in the Addo Bush Reserve has become
such a source of danger and damage to the surround-
ing farms, that their continuance under present con-
ditions has become intolerable. By breaking down
fences and destroying water-works, and generally
bringing about a state of terror and insecurity, they
are the cause of actual damage to a certain extent,
both immediately and in its consequences upon the
breeding of cattle ; they hamper farming operations,
and so put a restraint upon further agricultural
development. In this connection your Committee
would direct especial attention to the development
now in course of undertaking by the Sundays River
Irrigation Scheme. This scheme involves a main

268

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT

canal from the Sundays River of some 36 miles in
length, besides a network of subsidiary canals, and
the irrigation of an area of some 10,000 morgen in
extent. The mere presence of the Elephants in the
vicinity of the canal, or their lying down in it accord-
ing to their natural habit, would constitute a degree
of danger and damage which it is impossible to over-
estimate. The scheme involves a cost of at least
half a million pounds, and the projected settlement
is intended to bring hundreds of new settlers upon
the land.

" When the scheme is completed, and the subse-
quent new agricultural development undertaken, the
presence of the water and the crops will constitute
an additional attraction to the Elephants if then still
left to roam at will. Their sudden appearance in
unexpected places is a menace to peaceful traffic
upon the highways, and to the free movement of
farm-hands. By rendering the patrolling of the
bush impossible they serve as a cloak for poachers, so
that the Bushbuck has disappeared, or nearly so,
and the Buffalo, which used to be found there in
large numbers, is in danger of extermination. A
peculiar hardship is that the adjoining farmers have
no means of self-defence whatever against these
depredations. The law allows them to destroy
Elephants in flagranti delicto (which itself is no simple
task except to a professional hunter of big game),
but does not permit them to destroy the Elephants
when trespassing, or when on their way lo commit

269

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

damage. The amount of damage specifically testi-
fied to before us is necessarily only a small proportion
of the total committed, but even that fraction must
run into thousands of pounds, and no compensation
has yet been obtained.

" Assuming that it is imperative that means shall
be adopted for the future security and protection
of the inhabitants, their farms, their cattle and their
industry, the possible steps which can be taken resolve
themselves into either extermination of the entire
herd, or its reduction to such a number as v^ill on
the one hand be sufficient to ensure preservation,
and on the other hand not too large for confinement
within the Reserve. Your Committee may say at
once that mere reduction of numbers without con-
finement will, in its opinion, not be an adequate step,
and that suggestions put forward to remove the
Elephants to some other habitat, or to some artificial
place of confinement, or to domesticate them, appear
not to be feasible.

" Your Committee is extremely averse to re-
commending extermination. The South African
Elephant, now apparently restricted to a small rem-
nant in the Knysna forests, and to those in the Addo
Bush, while not specifically distinct from the Central
African Elephant, does constitute a distinct variety,
the extinction of which would be a loss to the world.
The deliberate extermination of these Elephants
would, upon grounds of deeply-felt general sentiment,
and in the interests of science, be received by not

270

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT

only very high and influential circles in South Africa,
but by the general feeling of the civilised w^orld with
condemnation, as a step reflecting no credit upon
South Africa.

" There remains, therefore, the question of reduc-
tion and confinement. Your Committee has not
succeeded in obtaining data — indeed, there does not
appear to be adequate data available — as to the
actual number of the present herd, as to hov^ many
are sufficient for propagation and preservation, or
as to the number that could be confined to the
Reserve without the expense of artificial feeding.

" The existing Elephants have never been reliably
counted. There are more or less vague estimates
and guesses. Putting such information together as
it could obtain, your Committee hesitatingly ven-
tures its own guess that the minimum number may
not be much below lOO, nor the maximum much
above 150. Until the actual number is definitely
ascertained, it is, of course, impossible to determine
how many animals could be destroyed to leave a safe
remainder.

" If the above-mentioned uncertainties could be
cleared up there would remain the question of the
means to be adopted for efficiently confining the
residue of the herd, of such size as may be deter-
mined upon, to the Reserve. The first problem is
the enclosure. For this purpose either an enormously
strong fence or else a deep trench has been suggested.
Your Committee has not been able to obtain a

271

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

definite estimate of the probable cost of either. The
cost would be very considerable — one guess places
it at j^20,ooo. The distance to be enclosed is
approximately 13 miles.

" The construction of the enclosure would not,
however, dispose of the requirements. In the absence
of all certainty upon the point, your Committee will
assume that the natural food of the Reserve (which
is some 3000 morgen in extent) would be adequate
to maintain a sufficient number of Elephants for
preservation without artificial feeding. But the
natural water-supply is totally inadequate — which
indeed appears to be a main cause of the Elephants'
present roaming proclivities. There are no natural
sheets of water such as the Elephant loves, the occa-
sional pools collected from rain water, and even the
drinking supplies dry up after a short interval of
cessation of rainfall.

" Therefore, for whatever small remnant of the
herd was kept in the Reserve, it vsAould be necessary
to make artificial provision for water. It is not
certain whether suitable underground supplies are
available. The indications point both ways, but
the preponderating expert opinion, which appears to
be that of the Director of Irrigation, seems to be
that the underground water, if found, would be salt
and useless. We shall, therefore, possibly or prob-
ably be reduced to the construction of works for
storage ; and in view of the irregularity and paucity
of the rainfall, the works necessary to ensure a suffi-

272

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT

cient supply to carry over the longest drought would
cost a considerable amount.

" These difficulties appear to your Committee
to be so serious that it could not reasonably be ex-
pected that the Provincial resources should be called
upon to surmount them unaided. If, as your Com-
mittee believes, the preservation of the animals is
a national matter, the Union Government should
be invited to undertake the task. If it should not
see its way to do so, your Committee can only express
its conviction, which it does with the most extreme
regret, that there is no alternative but extermination.

" If, as a last resource, extermination be decided
upon, or in the alternative a material reduction of
numbers, the means of killing the animals will have
to be considered. Even with a number of experi-
enced big-game hunters the difficulties will be very
considerable ; and your Committee certainly does
not recommend that the task be committed to
amateurs. If a number of Elephants were wounded
or merely stricken with panic, they would spread
terror and destruction over the countryside. Poison-
ing has been suggested, but your Committee con-
tents itself with merely noting the suggestion. Its
adoption would probably be received with a howl of
indignation from the sporting and scientific world.

" In conclusion, your Committee would empha-
sise that this Report cannot profess to be anything
more than merely tentative. The dilemma with
which it has been faced is so difficult, and the issues

VOL. Ill 273 iS .

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

of any course of action are so grave or alternatively
so costly, that with the time at its disposal and the
material available any exhaustive inquiry by the
Committee was impossible. The Executive might
consider the advisability of appointing a Commis-
sion to make a more detailed investigation."

The problem was a thorny one. Sentiment was
strong in favour of the preservation of the Elephants,
they being the sole survivors of the race which in-
habited South Africa in large numbers in bygone
days. The situation was an impossible one. The
land near the Addo Bush was being slowly but
steadily developed and occupied by settlers, and it
was apparent that a herd of Elephants could not
possibly be allowed to exist in the midst of these
settlements unless their needs were adequately
provided for. Apart from the destruction of the
herd, the only other solution was to enclose a
sufficiently large portion of the Addo Bush with an
elephant-proof fence, and secure a permanent water
supply for the beasts therein. Boring was suggested.
Another plan was to construct a water-furrow from
Sundays River. Various other schemes in regard
to fences and water were discussed. Meantime the
farmers clamoured for the destruction of the
Elephants. Resolutions were sent to the Adminis-
trator of the Cape Province, and deputations from
Farmers' Associations interviewed him. Eventually
it was decided that seventy-five Elephants be slain
as a beginning.

274

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT

Major Pretorius, an elephant hunter of repute
from East Africa, was engaged to do the killing.
The slaughter is now in progress. Pretorius has
his camp at Kenkelbosch, and he has already shot
upwards of thirty-five Elephants and captured a
number of calves.

A telegram from the Administrator of the Cape
Province to Mr. T. W. Reynolds, a Member of
the Provincial Council, gives the latest information
in regard to the destiny of the Addo Elephants
before going to press (February 1920).

" The following is the position : Pretorius con-
siders the total number of Elephants originally
existing on his arrival to have been one hundred
and thirty. Our modified arrangement with him
is to kill seventy-five. Subsequently it was arranged
with Government that we should leave fifty-five
on farms Mentone and Strathmore. We intend
passing legislation in March creating these two
farms an Elephant Reserve provided that if any
Elephant leave the Reserve it may be shot at sight
by anybody anywhere, and tusks and skins shall
belong to owner of property where Elephant is
shot. No license will be required. No close season
will be created. It is believed that Government
will provide water on its farms, and wdth the re-
duction of over one-half of the herd and the wise
provisions of the intended legislation all parties,
both those who are total exterminators and others
who dislike seeing total extermination, will be

275

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA

satisfied. The Elephant is a sagacious animal and
will soon learn where safety exists and where the
danger zone commences. The only question is
one of water, and this should be provided. Your
correspondents should remember that up to now
the Addo Elephant has been a protected animal,
whereas under the new conditions his life will be
forfeit the moment he leaves the Reserve. The
above should allay all fears of the farmers. The
Provincial Council has the whole matter in hand,
and members will have an opportunity in March
to approve or disapprove of what the Administrator
proposes."

However, the farmers in the neighbourhood of
the Addo are determined that the herd shall be
completely exterminated. Major Pretorius says
the farms Mentone and Strathmore will not pro-
vide food for more than sixteen Elephants, and
that unless an elephant-proof fence is put round
the reserve, and two Keepers or Rangers appointed,
the Elephants will stray iand be shot. Within four
years, Major Pretorius declares, there will not be a
single Elephant left.

276

ALPHABETICAL INDEX

African Buffalo, 141
African Elephant, 242

Bastard Gemsbok, 105
Bastard Hartebeest, 17
Bastard Kudu, 122
Bastard Wildebeest, 24
Blaauwbok, 97
Blaauw Wildebeest, 24
Black Rhinoceros, 213
Black Wildebeest, 19
Blesbok, 14
Bluebuck, 97
Blue Duiker, 38
Blue Wildebeest, 24
Bontebok, 9
Boom Dassie, 234
Boschbok, 114
Bosch Dassie, 234
Bosch Vark, 167
Brindled Gnu, 24
Buffel, 141

Burchell's Zebra, 189
Bushbuck, 114
Bush Pig, 167

Cape Duiker, 29
Cape Hartebeest, 2
Cape Oribi, 49
Coke's Hartebeest, 7
Coney, 220

Damaraland Dik-dik, 64

X)uikerbok, 29

Eland, 134

Gemsbuck, iii
Giraffe, 150
Grey Rhebok, 82
Grysbok, 57

Hartebeest, I
Hippopotamus, 156

Impala, 86
Inyala, 122
Ipiti, 38

Kameel, 150
KUp-bok, 44
Klip Dassie, 220
Klipspringer, 44
Kudu, 128

Lech we Kob, 70
Lichtenstein's Hartebeest, 7
Livingstone's Suni, 59

Moff Hartebeest, 7
Mountain Reedbuck, 79
Mountain Zebra, 181

Palla, 86

Prehensile-lipped Rhinoceros,
213

277

ALPHABETICAL INDEX

Puku, 73

Quagga, 178

Red Duiker, 35
Red Hartebeest, 2
Reedbuck, 76
Roan Antelope, 105
Rock Dassie, 220
Rooi Hartebeest, 2
Rooi Rhebok, 79

Sable Antelope, 108

Sassaby, 17

Sharpe's Steenbok, 56

Situtunga, 125

Springbuck, 91

Square-lipped Rhinoceros, 207

Steenbok, 51

Tree Dassie, 234

Vaal Rhebok, 82
Vlackte-Vark, 172

Wart Hog, 172
Waterbuck, 66
Waterkudu, 125
Waterskaap, 125
White Rhinoceros, 207
White-tailed Gnu, 19
Wildepaard, 181

Zululand Suni, 63
Zwart Rhenoster, 213
Zwart-wit-pens, 108

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