THE CAPE GROUND SQUIRREL 



ever, some excuse for confusing the Meercat with 

 the Ground Squirrel, for in habits the two are 

 more or less similar. There is no relationship 

 between the Ground Squirrel and the Meercat. 

 The former is a rodent or gnawing animal, and 

 the latter belongs to the carnivorous tribe. Rodent 

 animals can at once be identified from carnivorous 

 animals by the presence of sharp, chisel-like front 

 or incisor teeth, and the absence of canines. There 

 is always a pronounced gap between the front teeth 

 and the back ones. The carnivora have canine 

 teeth, and there is no gap between the front and 

 back teeth. The molar teeth, moreover, of the 

 latter have pointed tops or cusps. The chief 

 enemies of the Ground Squirrel are the Muishonds, 

 Mungooses and birds of prey. However, the latter 

 are not feared overmuch by the Ground Squirrel, 

 for it seldom ventures far from its burrow, and the 

 large hawks and the eagles can be clearly seen 

 when approaching, owing to the lack of cover. 

 Sometimes an eagle will swoop swiftly over a 

 neighbouring ridge and drop suddenly in the midst 

 of a family of Squirrels sunning themselves, or busy 

 digging up bulbs. 



The Ground Squirrel is defenceless against the 

 attacks of the Mungoose and Muishond, for these 

 animals follow it down to its innermost retreats 

 underground. 



When attacked it bites desperately with its sharp, 

 chisel-like front teeth, but is no match for these 



VOL. iv 65 5 



