NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



(Maritimus of Sclater). The Sand Mole attains a 

 length of about 1 8 inches, and is the largest of these 

 burrowing rodents. 



It is common along the coast of South Africa, from 

 Namaqualand in the west, to Knysna in the east. 

 It has not, so far, been discovered as far eastwards as 

 Port Elizabeth. 



The Sand Mole was known to the early travellers. 

 It was first fully described by Colonel Gordon, who 

 then commanded the Dutch forces, prior to the Cape 

 coming into the possession of the British in 1795. 



The Sand Mole inhabits the dunes, flats and other 

 tendy localities along the coast, and forms tunnels 

 or burrows, throwing up the sand at intervals in 

 large hills a foot high. In many parts of the Cape 

 flats the ground is tunnelled in all directions by 

 these Sand Moles, and in consequence horseback 

 riding is dangerous. The excavations are made by 

 the animal in its search for roots, bulbs, tubers and 

 other vegetable substances which constitute its diet. 



Occasionally the Sand Mole, Mole Rat and Bles- 

 mol venture above ground, and on these occasions 

 they can easily be captured. Realising it cannot 

 hope to escape by flight, for its movements above 

 ground are comparatively slow, it instantly faces 

 the enemy and puts on a most threatening aspect, 

 emitting a series of hissing grunts, resisting capture 

 with the greatest determination. There are several 

 species of Blesmols and Mole Rats in South Africa. 



The Cape Blesmol (Georychus capensis) is abundant 

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