THE SILVER FOX OR VAAL JAKHALS 



(Fulpes chama) 



Also known as the Cama Fox and Draai Jakhals ; 

 Basuto — Mopheme. 



Foxes are members of the carnivorous or flesh- 

 eating class of animals, and are close relatives of the 

 wolves, jackals, and dogs. Foxes inhabit North 

 America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. They are even 

 found in the Arctic Regions. 



In South Africa there are two kinds or species. 

 One is the beautiful little Silver Fox, otherwise 

 known as the Vaal Jakhals. Although generally 

 distributed throughout South Africa, it is nowhere 

 common. It is confined to Africa south of the 

 Zambesi, including Namaqualand and Bechuana- 

 land. The Silver Fox is slender and graceful in 

 appearance. It is partial to the more open, dry 

 districts, and is nocturnal in its habits. During 

 the daytime it usually lies hidden in a lair on the 

 ground in the midst of a thick bush, tall grass, or 

 whatever suitable shelter the neighbourhood affords. 

 A favourite hiding place is the thick, matted, thorny 

 scrub, so common in South Africa. These bushes 



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