110 



SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS 



bulbs, &c., in the evenings and early mornings. Its flesh 

 is edible, but according to some is not very palatable. 

 When captured young and tamed it becomes an interest- 

 ing pet, but is of an aggressive nature where other animals 

 are concerned. A pair in the Zoo attacked a Roe Deer 

 Stag and bit it so badly in the hip and forequarters that 

 it eventually died, the tendons being severely injured. 



Fig. 33.— Rock Rabbits, or Dassies. 



The bite of a Rock Rabbit is severe, as the little creature 

 has strong teeth and powerful jaws, with which it can 

 hold on with a grip like a vice. 



From one to two young ones are born at a time, the 

 latter being the usual number. These are active from, 

 shortly after birth. 



Procavia brucei. Bruce's Rock Babbit. Grijse Dassie. 



General colour a grizzly grey — the hairs being slate 

 colour at the base and ringed with yellow, black and 

 white — under surface, including the insides of the legs, 



