THE SPRINGHARE OR SPRINGHAAS 



even totally disabling its feathered foe by the 

 powerful kicks it delivers with its hind-feet, the toes 

 of which are armed with strong, hoof-like nails. 



Although more exposed to the attacks of the 

 Eagle Owl out on the hill-sides and veld, the Spring- 

 hare prefers these situations to bush-covered locali- 

 ties, for it is well aware that the Jackal, and the 

 many species of Wild Cats can, under cover of the 

 bushes, steal upon it unawares. However, so stealthy 

 and silent are the members of the cat tribe that they 

 are able to stalk a Springhare, successfully even out 

 upon the exposed veld. The cat steals up as close 

 as possible, and the instant the Springhare becomes 

 aware of its presence, it bounds off at full speed, but 

 is frequently overtaken by the cat, which makes a 

 rapid sprint after it. Lying in ambush, watching 

 some Springhares feeding on a low hill-side, I became 

 aware of a creature moving not far from me. I lay 

 still, and presently saw that it was a Serval, which is a 

 wild cat of the size of an adult pointer dog. This 

 Serval was stalking the Springhares. It seemed 

 incredible that so large an animal could crouch so 

 low and creep along so silently. With nose held 

 straight out, and body stiffened, it insinuated itself 

 along the ground, taking advantage of every cover. 

 Its tawny colour blended so perfectly with the ground 

 and half-dry herbage, that at times I lost sight of it. 

 When within about thirty yards of the Springhares, 

 I noticed one of them stood up to its full height and 

 seemed to be listening intently. Simultaneously 



VOL. IV l6l II 



