520 



UNGULATES. 



day they lie out upon rocks in the shade, or retire, especially towards midday, 

 beneath the rocks. They are timid and wary, rushing into their holes at the 

 smallest intimation of danger. The only sound I heard made by them was a shrill 

 squeak when suddenly alarmed. They can climb over smooth surfaces of rock in 

 a wonderful manner, their large feet aiding them in obtaining a hold." The typical 

 race of this species occurs in the highlands of Abyssinia, the lowland form being 

 of considerably smaller size. Its habits .may be taken as characteristic for all the 

 species, with the exception of those frequenting trees. Two other species inhabit 

 Southern Abyssinia, viz. the Shoan hyrax (P. shoana), and Bruce's hyrax 

 (P. brucei). The former of these inhabits Southern Abyssinia and Shoa, and is 

 nearly or quite the largest of the group ; it differs from all others, except the Cape 

 hyrax, in having the spot on the back entirely black, and is distinguished from the 



SYRIAN HYRAX. 



Cape Hyrax. 



latter by the great length of its soft and silky hair. Bruce's hyrax, which ranges 

 from Southern Abyssinia to Somaliland and Mozambique, is a small and rare species, 

 with the spot on the back long and narrow, and yellowish or whitish in colour. 

 It has been found at elevations of from seven thousand to eight thousand feet. 



The Cape hyrax (P. capensis) is confined to the Cape Colony 

 and Natal, where it is known to the Dutch colonists as the klip-das, 

 or rock-badger. It is characterised by the hair being soft and fine, and of medium 

 length, with the sjoot on the back of an irregular oval form, and black in colour ; 

 the general hue of the fur being dark sepia-brown, speckled with pale yellow or 

 white. The late Professor Moseley writes that these animals " come out to feed in 

 the mornings and evenings, but also bask sometimes in the hot sun at midday. 

 They are very inquisitive, and sit up on a rock, and look at one, and then suddenly 

 • lash into their hiding-place. After a time, if one remains quiet, they come out 

 J or another look, and afford a good chance for a shot. Their cry of alarm is a 



