950 



MR. R. I. POCOCK ON WARNING COLORATION [DeC. 15^ 



conspicuous both on the forehead and the sides of the body. 

 One form only is black above as well as below. 



There is abundant testimony to the unpleasantness of the odour 

 emitted by Eatels. Writing of the Cape Ratel, Mr. W. L. Sclater 

 says : " It further defends itself by emitting an offensive odour 

 from its anal glands." * In his account of the habits of the 

 Indian species, Blanford does not mention this attribute ; but I 

 have been told by Indian sportsmen that the characteristic is 

 well known, and two of the Society's keepers, Dixon and Hoare, 

 who have looked after a male specimen that is still living in the 

 Gardens, tell me that formerly this animal, when threatened or 

 disturbed, would emit an odour, described as suffocating, which 

 could be perceived at a distance, varying according to the estimate 

 of the raconteur, from fifty to one hundred yards. 



Text-fig. 195. 



Wbite-backed Ratel {MelUvora ratel). 



Ratels ai-e omnivorous, and can be kept in confinement in 

 health and strength Avithout meat. Their liking for honey is 

 notorious, and is the attribute from which their generic name has. 

 been derived. They are known to be desperate fighters and extra- 

 ordinarily tenacious of life. The skin is not only very thick, but 

 also very loose, so that if seized by almost any part of it the animal 

 can reach and bite its assailant. Of the African species Mr. Sclater 

 says : " It is very difficult to kill, only, it is said, by actually 

 ci'ushing its skull or by stabbing to the heart can this be 

 effected." The very small size of the ears in the Ratel is another 

 noticeable feature bearing on the question of his immunity from 

 attack. Animals which requii-e sharp hearing either to escape 

 enemies or capture prey usually at all events have large ears ; 

 and the fact that the animals forming the subject matter of this 



* ' Tli9 Mammals of South Africa,' i. p. 112, 1900. 



