236 



CAAMA FENNEC. 



Megalotis caama, 



PLATE XIX. 



Canis (vulpes) caama. 



The smallest of the South African foxes, according 

 to Dr. Smith, we place here, on account of the 

 great development of the ears, the general form of 

 the animal, and its diurnal habits. In figure, this 

 species resembles the last described, having also the 

 long brush, with a dark tip. 



It is in stature about one foot high at the shoulder, 

 covered with a soft fur coloured like that of a wild 

 rabbit. The head is vulpine ; the ears large, with 

 expanded tubes; the whiskers long, black, and 

 rigid ; and its predatory habits best observed are, 

 that of feeding upon eggs of birds nestling upon the 

 ground. It is an object of solicitude to ostriches, 

 who watch the animal when the laying season has 

 commenced. When the Caama has obtained an 

 egg of a large size, he is stated to roll it in the 

 manner which the Suricate {Rysena) and several 

 yiverra3 practise, until, by encountering a stone, it 

 is broken, and is thus become accessible food. The 

 proceedings both of the ostrich and the animal 

 attest that it is in the habit of preying by day as 

 well as by night, like the other Megalotes. 



