NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



It occurs in the Transvaal, Southern Rhodesia, and 

 in the neighbourhood of the Zambesi River. From 

 these regions it extends northwards to Nyassaland. 

 It is common in the tree-covered parts of Ngamiland, 



Although the Grey-footed Squirrel spends most 

 of its time aloft amongst the tree branches, yet it 

 makes frequent excursions along the ground in 

 search of edible bulbs, roots, berries and fruits. 

 When surprised on the ground it instantly races 

 for the nearest tree, up which it scrambles with 

 great rapidity, although the tree-trunk may be 

 quite perpendicular. When aloft in a tree it hides 

 itself in a fork, lies flat along a thick branch, or 

 springs rapidly to the top and conceals itself amongst 

 the foliage, or retreats along the tree-tops. 



Holes in the branches and trunks of old trees are 

 its favourite lairs. These are improved or enlarged 

 to suit its requirements. In these retreats it rears 

 its young family, and stores up provisions in the 

 form of berries and seeds against times of scarcity, 

 and for cold, rainy days when it does not care to 

 venture from its cosy nest. This Squirrel is called 

 Idsindi by the Mashonas, who eagerly hunt it for 

 food. It seems to have a great liking for the 

 Mopani tree, for it is invariably seen in trees of 

 this species. 



We obtained one of these Squirrels from Rhodesia, 

 and kept it alive for a considerable time in the Port 

 Elizabeth Museum. It was exceedingly active in 

 its movements, and ate any kind of vegetable food, 



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