368 AVIFAUNA OF CHOTA NAGPUR. 



proclaim by their presence the antecedents of that particular 

 spot."" 



Lists of the species, characteristic of the different conditions 

 of growth, will be found in my paper above alluded to. It 

 seems to be unnecessary to dwell upon the subject further here. 



Fauna. — The Mammalian fauna of Chota Nagpur must be 

 considered rich as it includes nearly all the animals 

 known to exist in Central India. A brief enumeration 

 of these will not be out of place in this general account of the 

 characteristics of the Division, and will aid the reader in his 

 conception of the conditions under which the special subject of 

 this account — the birds — occur. 



To proceed to details, we have amongst monkeys the Langur, 

 (Presbytis entellus), which is found in suitable localities through- 

 out. The vicinity of large villages with corresponding mango- 

 groves being the favorite dwelling place. But isolated rocky hills, 

 as at Eugonathpur and Jhalda in Manbhum, not unfrequently 

 contain colonies. Sometimes, however, these monkeys are met 

 with in heavy forest far removed from human habitations. 



The Brown Bengal Monkey, Inuus rhesus, Desm., though not 

 common, occurs in most of the heavy jungle, especially in the 

 vicinity of the large rivers where they traverse forest. 



Of Bats, besides the Large Flying Fox (Pteropus Edwardsn), 

 I have collected some half dozen species, but have not the names 

 before me at present. 



Among insectivorous animals I only know for certain of the 

 occurrence of the Common Musk Shrew (Sorex ccerulescens), but 

 others of this genus may occur too. The Tree Shrew (Tupaia 

 Ellioti,) very possibly occurs, as I obtained it in the Satpura 

 hills, and it has also been found in the Karakpur hills as well as 

 at Vizagapatam where it was first discovered. The sides of a 

 triangle joining these three points would include Chota Nagpur. 



In the order Carnivora we have first the Indian Black or Sloth 

 Bear (Prochleilus labiatus), which is very common in some parts. 

 It lives chiefly on fruits, roots, and white ants. It affords amus- 

 ing sport to those resident in the district. Were this the place. 

 I might tell many anecdotes illustrative of its habits and occa- 

 sional ferocity. 



The Indian Badger or Ratel (Mellivora Indica) is not uncommon 

 in the rocky districts, but is seldom seen. When captured by the 

 natives it is readily tamed, but makes a most uninteresting pet. 



The Common Indian Otter (Lutra nair) occurs in many of 

 the larger rivers, especially those of the western districts where 

 it may often be seen disporting itself in the pools. 



