50 SOUTH AFEICAN MAMMALS 



Proteles cristatus. Aardwolf. Manhaar Jakhals. 

 This animal is hyaena-like in build, but smaller ; of a 

 yellow-grey colour, banded by black stripes, which are 

 wide apart. Legs banded with black, the portion below 

 the knee and hock quite black. Tail short, bushy, and 

 black-tipped. The hair along the back is long and crest- 

 like, which gives to the animal its Boer vernacular name 

 of " Manhaar Jakhals" (Maned Jackal). Length about 

 2i feet, tail about 10 or 11 inches. 



FIG. 14. Young Aardwolves. 



The Aardwolf is a cowardly, skulking, harmless animal, 

 ranging from the Cape to Somaliland. It is mostly 

 nocturnal in habit, passing the day in a burrow or lair 

 in a thick bush, and is found in bushy country, as well 

 as on the open veld. I have seen them prowling about 

 in search of food in the evening after sunset, and on one 

 occasion in broad daylight. Their food appears to 

 consist mainly of insects, especially ants and termites, 

 but probably includes small animals, birds, reptiles, &c., 

 when procurable. I have not bred this animal yet, but 

 judging by the litters brought in for sale, the number 



