THE SILVER FOX OR VAAL JAKHALS 



are so thick and thorny that only animals of slender 

 build are able to creep in under them. 



The deserted holes of Aard Varks, when available, 

 are taken possession of by Silver Foxes. In these, 

 or in burrows excavated by themselves, the young 

 are born and reared. A common custom of this 

 fox is to enlarge the deserted burrows of Spring- 

 hares, and other animals whose holes are too small 

 for the requirements of the Silver Fox. 



This fox is rarely seen by man, owing to its noc- 

 turnal habits, its timid, wary, and secretive disposi- 

 tion, and its yellov^sh fur, which blends so closely 

 with its surroundings. For these reasons, and the 

 fact that it does not molest domestic animals in any 

 way, comparatively little is known of its habits. 



From the nature of the country it inhabits, 

 combined with its extremely timid character, there 

 can be no doubt but that rats, mice, lizards, 

 insects, berries and bulbs constitute its chief diet. 

 In captivity it soon becomes tame, but retains its 

 timid nature. The slightest noise of an unusual 

 kind will cause it to start convulsively. The sudden 

 apparition of a dog sends it into an extremity of fear. 



The Silver Fox usually produces its litter of pups 

 at the side of or under a stunted shrub on the open, 

 dry, sun-baked veld. 



One which I had in captivity ate freely of a mixed 

 diet, consisting of most of the usual foodstuffs eaten 

 by man. 



Fruit, boiled bread and milk, mincemeat, and 



III 



