Sub-family : Otomyin^ 



THE OTOMYS OR VELD RAT 



The Otomys or Veld Rat is an inhabitant of the 

 grass-veld, Karoo-veld and bush-veld of South and 

 East Africa. 



It is know^n to colonists as the Veld Rat or Vlei 

 Muis, and to the Mashonas as the Mappy. There 

 are about a dozen species and sub-species so far 

 known to science. The Otomys is common in all 

 parts of South Africa w^here there is cover and food 

 in the form of vegetation. It is rat-like in shape, 

 but more robust than the common rat ; its fur is 

 grizzled ochre-brown and black, which varies in 

 shade according to the species. Nose not so sharp- 

 pointed as that of the barn rat ; tail only about 

 half the length of the body, and covered with scales 

 and bristles ; upper incisor teeth grooved ; ears 

 usually large ; hind-feet short. The Otomys feeds 

 upon seeds, berries, tender shoots, soft grasses, roots 

 and bark. It will eat insects if they come in its way. 



THE VLEY OTOMYS OR VLEY MUIS 



{Otomys irroratus) 



The Vley Otomys inhabits the whole of South 

 Africa, and is found as far north as Somaliland. 



94 



