ORDER CARNIVORA: CARNIVORES 



253 



of these animals, found that they contain nothing but termites or 

 white ants; this is further confirmed by Mr. Cloete, who writes that 

 he has examined the stomachs of more than fifty, and never found 

 any trace of anything else than a purely insectivorous diet, ants 

 being the chief constituent." However, farmers report that this 

 species kills kids and lambs merely for the sake of the milk con- 

 tained in their stomachs. (W. L. Sclater, 1900, vol. 1, p. 82.) 



The food consists of insects particularly termites, locusts, beetles, 

 and grubs. The animal has been accused of killing lambs and kids, 



Fie. 27. Aard-wolf (Proteles cristatus subsp.) 



but evidently without justification and through confusion with the 

 Jackal. Its weak dentition is sufficient evidence of its harmlessness 

 in respect to livestock. Yet, despite its inoffensive nature and the 

 distinct service it performs in destroying such agricultural pests as 

 termites, it was, in former years, officially listed by several govern- 

 ments as "harmful," and a bounty of half a pound sterling was paid 

 in the Cape Province for each Aard-wolf killed. (Derscheid, 1925, 

 P. [78].) 



It feeds to some extent on "small rodents, reptiles, and the nest- 

 lings and eggs of ground-nesting birds" (Shortridge, 1934, vol. 1, 

 p. 151). 



In South Africa generally it is subjected to a great deal of irre- 

 sponsible persecution, and is becoming scarce in farming and other 

 settled districts. However, it is in no immediate danger of actual 

 extermination. (G. C. Shortridge, in litt., October 14, 1937.) 



