74 



ANIMAL LIFE IN AFRICA 



and other large burrowing animals . It is strictly a ground 

 animal, being, from the nature of its claws, unable to 

 climb trees. 



Its diet is a mixed one. At certain seasons its favourite 

 food consists of a round red berry, containing a large 

 stone, the product of the tree called by the local natives 



. Bond, Pho'o. 



CIVET-CAT 



mpafa. This tree possesses a hooked thorn and an oval 

 leaf, and the fruit is often eaten by the kamrs in years 

 of famine. White ants, large beetles, locusts, and other 

 insects are also consumed, besides lizards and frogs, 

 while a shelly insect found in great numbers on the 

 surface of the ground after rain is eagerly devoured. ' 

 Among mammals, the civet preys on rats, mice, and such 

 small creatures as it can catch and overcome. Carrion 

 is eaten freely. Traps baited with any kind of meat, 



