THE CAPE GROUND SQUIRREL 



only. Unlike its cousins the Tree Squirrels of 

 various countries, it does not lay up a store of food 

 for winter use, for the reason that such provision 

 is not necessary, as the roots on which it feeds are 

 available at all times of the year, and the cold in 

 winter is not excessive. During the chills of night 

 it lies snugly in its nest at the bottom of its burrow ; 

 and at sunrise it emerges and warms itself in the 

 sun's rays, for out upon the Karoo-veld it is seldom 

 that the sun is obscured by rain-clouds, either in 

 winter or summer. 



I kept several of these Squirrels alive at the Port 

 Elizabeth Museum, and being anxious to keep some 

 live Tortoises (Testudo angulata), and not having 

 sufficient accommodation, I put them into the cage 

 with the Ground Squirrels. I was astonished the 

 following morning to find two of the Tortoises 

 dead, and portions of their bodies eaten, although 

 the shells were intact. By means of their chisel- 

 like incisor teeth and strong front claws, the Squirrels 

 had actually succeeded in doing what no dog or 

 cat could do, viz. kill an adult Tortoise and eat out 

 its flesh from the small openings where it protrudes 

 its head and legs, between the carapace and bony 

 abdominal plate. From this experience, I have no 

 doubt in the wild condition the Ground Squirrel 

 supplements its diet on occasions with the flesh of 

 Tortoises. Our captive Ground Squirrels consume 

 both raw and cooked meat readily. 



