THE HONEY RATEL 



The ratel, like its relatives the weasels, does not 

 chase down its living prey by speed. It progresses 

 at a rapid swinging trot, but can easily be overtaken 

 by an average dog. I have on several occasions seen 

 them run down on the veld by natives. In broken 

 country, however, they are impossible to follow. 

 Coming upon a hare or small antelope, the ratel 

 starts off on its trail, with nose within an inch or two 

 of the ground, and tail elevated, but never en- 

 deavours to run down the intended prey by speed. 

 It is untiring. Of all animals known to me the ratel 

 has the most energy, endurance, and perseverance. 

 Once upon the track of an animal there is little 

 hope of ultimate escape for the creature, for, 

 however far it may travel, the ratel will follow. 

 Nothing in the way of a difficulty seems to dis- 

 courage it. No animal which it is able to over- 

 power is safe from it. The Springhare, Meerkat, 

 Rat, Ground Squirrel, and other burrowing creatures 

 attempt to find sanctuary in their underground re- 

 treats, but the ratel is in no way disconcerted. It 

 instantly sets itself the task of digging them out. 

 Its strength and endurance are so phenomenal 

 that it rarely fails to reach the terrified occupant 

 of the burrow. However many animals there may 

 be in a burrow, it spares none. It takes the 

 keenest delight in killing. Even the formidable 

 porcupine, covered with his armament of sharp 

 quills, falls a victim to the ratel, for its hide is so 

 tough, and it attacks the animal so skilfully, that 

 VOL. II. 145 10 



