Mammals are the class of vertebrates that evolved most recently. They are endothermic (body temperature is kept constant by their metabolism) and, except for marine species, they have four limbs and are partly or wholly covered by hair. The young are born live and are suckled by milk-producing females.
Mammals are unique in their extraordinary range of size, shape and habits; the smallest shrew is less than one millionth the mass of a bull elephant. They generally have keen senses and sophisticated means of communication, which are adapted to the particular way of life of each species.
With a few exceptions, the body form and size of mammals differ clearly from species to species, and most of the common and conspicuous mammals can be easily identified.
Colour is not always a reliable guide to a mammal’s identity. In contrast to many birds, mammals’ colours are uniform and subdued. Colour also varies within species; individuals from the drier west tend to be greyer than those from the wetter east. The colour of the background can also influence a mammal’s appearance, and mammals that wallow or dust-bathe are often coloured by the soil that sticks to their skins.
The shape of antelopes’ horns is different for every species and can be used for identification in fully developed adults. When they occur, the horns of females are the same shape as those of males, but are generally thinner and shorter. In most species the males are larger. Where sexes are distinctly different, both are illustrated.
Eyes are set facing forwards for binocular vision in predators and climbing primates, which depend on three-dimensional perception. Herbivores have eyes on the sides of their heads to give a wide field of view in which to see approaching danger. Most mammals have very sensitive ears and can detect sounds that are inaudible to humans. Bats, in particular, have a sense of hearing developed into a precise navigational and hunting tool.
For most mammals the sense of smell is paramount. Many species have a sensory organ, the Jacobsen’s organ, situated between the mouth and nasal passages, which enhances their sensitivity to odours and taste.
About 300 species of mammals occur in southern Africa and this chapter covers 170 of them. In the case of bats, the seven families are described, rather than the 74 species, which are difficult to identify and seldom seen at close quarters. Other species not described are the rare or inconspicuous ones, especially in groups such as shrews and small rodents, which are very unlikely to be encountered.
The distribution of large mammals has been greatly altered by human activity. In most cases the ranges have been reduced, but the translocation of game to re-stock nature reserves has expanded the distribution of some species. The distribution of lesser species has also been disturbed by the destruction of habitat.
The most common mating system among mammals is for a male to mate with many females, and then leave them to bring up the young. Males may search for, court and couple with individual females as they come into oestrus, as in white rhinos; they may actively collect a harem of females before they come into oestrus, as many antelope do, or they may monopolise access to a group of females in a particular territory. Usually the male initiates courtship but in the case of porcupines and lions it is the female who does so.
Only about 5% of mammals are monogamous: aardwolves, elephant shrews, black-backed jackals and some small antelope are examples. Group living does not preclude monogamy; in wild dogs, suricates, dwarf mongooses and porcupines, only one pair in the group breeds.
Ungulates are continuously exposed to predation and many give birth to young that are mobile within minutes. In most mammals, however, the young are defenceless at birth and are nurtured for a long period before they become independent. Learning essential behaviour and competencies is important during this time.
Most mammals are crepuscular because this avoids both the daytime heat and the dangers of moving around in the dark. Animals such as giraffes and elephants, which have to spend long periods feeding, are active around the clock. Shrews lose body heat so quickly from their tiny bodies that they have to feed every few hours, and are active in short bursts throughout the day and night.
Most mammals are solitary but some, e.g. monkeys, baboons, hyaenas and dwarf mongooses, live in closely bonded family groups, with very intricate patterns of social interaction. Herbivores and small carnivores that live in groups do so as a protection against predators. Social large carnivores live in groups so as to be better able to catch their prey and defend their kills and territories from other groups.
The most important means of communication is odour. Faeces, urine or the secretions of special glands can signal social status, sex, reproductive condition, diet and individual identity. Visual communication works only when animals can see each other, so antelope that live in open grassland or savanna, e.g. springbok, gemsbok and sable, have striking coat patterns, e.g. zebras’ stripes help herds to keep together when they flee from predators. Sound – a lion’s roar, a spotted hyaena’s whoop or a black-backed jackal’s call – is used to advertise occupation of an area and to call group members together.
For small mammals, dimensions given are the body length from the tip of the snout to the base of the tail, plus the length of the tail. For large mammals, the shoulder height in a standing position is given.
1 SWAMP MUSK SHREW
Snout long, mobile. Eyes small. Ears small, rounded. Legs short with pale feet. Blackish-brown overall. Musk glands on flanks. Mainly insectivorous. North and east.
Similar
GREATER MUSK SHREW C. flavescens
Larger (10 cm plus 6 cm tail). Southern and eastern coastal areas.
FOREST SHREW Myosorex varius
Tail has dark line on top. South and east.
LESSER RED MUSK SHREW Crocidura hirta
Cinnamon or reddish-brown above. Silvery white below.
Elephantulus brachyrhynchus
2 SHORT-SNOUTED ELEPHANT SHREW
Snout long, mobile. Large eyes surrounded by white fur. Large rounded ears. Long hind legs. Tail about same length as body. Fur buffy brown. White underparts. Diurnal. Singly or in pairs. Signals alarm by drumming hind feet. One or two fully-furred young born in summer. Northeast.
Similar
E. myurus
3 ROCK ELEPHANT SHREW
Grey. Black undersides to feet. Central highveld areas.
FOUR-TOED ELEPHANT SHREW Petrodromus tetradactylus
Larger (19 cm plus 16 cm tail). Northeastern coastal plains.
ROUND-EARED ELEPHANT SHREW Macroscelides proboscideus
No white surrounding eye. Southwest.
Atelerix frontalis
4 SOUTH AFRICAN HEDGEHOG
Covered by short sharp prickles. White on forehead and behind eyes. Legs short. Solitary. Nocturnal. Snuffles through vegetation after insects. Hibernates in winter. Up to nine young born during summer. Central areas.
Hystrix africaeaustralis
5 PORCUPINE
Long hair on head and shoulders. Back covered with black-and-white quills. Tail has open-ended quills. Nocturnal. Groups share burrows but forage alone or in pairs. Eats plants, gnaws on old bones. Up to three young born in summer. Widespread except along northwest coast.
Amblysomus hottentotus
6 HOTTENTOT GOLDEN MOLE
Eyes covered by whitish skin. No visible ears. Snout has hard pad for burrowing. Red-brown with bronze-green sheen. Forefeet have large claws. Hind feet webbed. No tail. Feeds on insects, earth worms. Solitary. Burrows just below surface raising ridges of soil. East and south.
Similar
GIANT GOLDEN MOLE Chrysospalax trevelyani
Larger (23 cm). Long, coarse fur. Southeast coast.
CAPE GOLDEN MOLE Chrysochlorus asiatica
Dark brown. Confined to sandy soils in extreme southwest.
YELLOW GOLDEN MOLE Calcochloris obtusirostris
Golden brown. Pale face. Sandy soils in northeast.
1 EGYPTIAN FRUIT BAT
Head has dog-like muzzle. Simple ears. Large eyes. Two claws on each wing. Wing membrane not extending between hind limbs. Dark brown above, pale below. Roosts in large colonies in caves, emerging to feed on wild fruits at dusk. Only fruit bat to use echolocation. A single young is born each year. Northeast and along eastern and southern coasts to Cape Town.
Similar
GAMBIAN EPAULETTED FRUIT BAT Epomophorus gambianus
Light brown above and below. Roosts in trees.
STRAW-COLOURED FRUIT BAT Eidolon helvum
Larger (wingspan 70 cm). Yellowish. Migrates into southern Africa in summer.
Family Nycteridae
2 SLIT-FACED BATS
Face has paired nose-leaves divided by central slit. Ears elongated. Eyes small. Single claw on each wing. Tail terminates in Y-joint and is totally encased in wing membrane between hind limbs. Long reddish-brown fur, paler on underside. Insectivorous. Catches prey on the wing and consumes it on feeding perch. Navigates by listening to echo from ultrasonic emissions from nostrils. Roosts in colonies in caves. Six species.
Family Vespertilionidae
3 VESPER BATS
Tail totally enclosed within membrane, extends beyond hind limbs. Simple muzzle lacks nose-leaves. 29 species.
Family Emballonuridae
4 TOMB BATS and SHEATH-TAILED BATS
Half of tail length emerges under membrane between hind limbs. Muzzle lacks nose-leaves. Three species.
Family Molossidae
5 FREE-TAILED BATS
More than half the tail protrudes beyond membrane between hind limbs. Face mastiff-like. 14 species.
Family Rhinolophidae
6 HORSESHOE BATS
Horseshoe-shaped nose-leaf with elaborate upward-pointing triangular process behind horseshoe. Tail shorter than hind limbs, totally enclosed within membrane. 10 species.
Family Hipposideridae
7 LEAF-NOSED BATS and TRIDENT BATS
Nose-leaf lacks upward-pointing triangular process behind horseshoe. Tail shorter than hind limbs, totally enclosed within membrane. Four species.
1 THICK-TAILED BUSHBABY
Brownish-grey, paler below. Small head, large eyes and ears. Tail bushy throughout length. Nocturnal. Roosts in small groups in trees but forages alone. Territory marked with urine and chest glands. Loud baby-like wail. Eats fruit, gum, insects. One or two young born in summer. Moist areas in east and northeast.
Galago moholi
2 SOUTHERN LESSER GALGAO
Pale grey. Large head. Huge eyes and ears. Tail bushy only towards tip. Tip often darker. Agile climber and leaper. Habits same as Thick-tailed Bushbaby. Wide range of chattering calls. Eats insects and gum. Two litters per year in early and late summer. Forest and woodland in north and northeast.
Similar
GRANT’S LESSER GALAGO Galagoides granti
Brown. Longer muzzle. Northeastern Mozambique.
Papio ursinus
3 CHACMA BABOON
Dark grey-brown. Large canines. Base of tail carried erect with lower section drooping. Loud, two-syllable alarm call. Forages by day; sleeps in trees or on rock ledges. Troops of up to 100 with complex social structure. Omnivorous and may hunt prey. Young carried beneath mother initially; later on her back. Widespread except in desert.
Cercopithecus aethiops
4 VERVET MONKEY
Light grey. Black face outlined in white. Dominant males have red penis and blue scrotum. Troops of up to 20. Forage by day; sleep together in trees. Gives different alarm calls for different predators. Largely vegetarian. Single young born at any time. Eastern half of region and along Orange and Cunene river systems.
Cercopithecus mitis
5 SAMANGO MONKEY
Head, shoulders and limbs black. Back dark reddish-brown. Face brown with long whitish beard and cheek hair. Troops of up to 30. Forages by day in trees; sleeps in dense foliage. Seldom descends to ground. Wide range of vocal communications including deep boom and loud “nyah” alarm call. Eats fruit, leaves, bark, insects. Single young born in summer. Confined to forests in east.
1 CAPE HARE
Greyish-brown above. Yellowish on chest. White abdomen. Eyes large, ears very long. Tail dark above, white below. Solitary. Nocturnal. Lies in shallow depression by day. Eats grass. Up to three furred and active young. Open grassland in dry west.
Similar
SCRUB HARE L. saxatilis
White chest. Bush and thick grass throughout southern Africa.
Pronolagus crassicaudatus
2 NATAL RED ROCK RABBIT
Russet-brown and grey above; rufous rump and underparts. Ears not as long as in hares. Pale stripe behind jaw. Tail reddish-brown, not white beneath. Nocturnal. Hides among rocks by day. Eats grass. Up to three naked young born in fur-lined nest. Confined to rocky areas in southeast.
Similar
SMITH’S RED ROCK RABBIT P. rupestris
Only in Karoo, south and southwest.
JAMESON’S RED ROCK RABBIT P. randensis
In two areas: central highveld from Vaal River to Zimbabwe, and northeastern Namibia.
Bunolagus monticularis
3 RIVERINE RABBIT
Head grey. Flanks brown. Chest yellowish. Belly white. White around eye. Dark stripe along lower jaw. Solitary. Nocturnal. Hides in depression by day. Grazes in summer, browses in winter. One or two young born in burrow in summer. Rare. Confined to river courses in Karoo.
Similar
EUROPEAN RABBIT Oryctolagus cuniculus
Introduced; confined to several islands off Cape coast.
Pedetes capensis
4 SPRINGHARE
Fur long, reddish-brown. Ears large but smaller than in rabbits and hares. Tail has bushy black tip. Solitary. Nocturnal. Spends day in burrow in sand. Eats grass, roots, seeds. Single young born at any time. In areas with sandy soils throughout southern Africa except Western Cape.
Procavia capensis
5 ROCK HYRAX
Blunt muzzle. Compact build. Short legs. Toes blunt with rubbery pads. No visible tail. Brown with dark area in middle of back. Diurnal. Colonial. Agile climber in rocky areas, retreating into crevices. Grazes and browses. Up to 3 young born at end of rainy season. Widespread except northern Botswana and Namibia.
Similar
YELLOW-SPOTTED ROCK HYRAX Heterohyrax brucei
Yellow spot on back. White above eyes. Northeast.
TREE HYRAX Dendrohyrax arboreus
White spot on back. Arboreal. Solitary. Certain eastern forests.
Blunt muzzle. Cinnamon above; white underparts. White stripe on flanks. Long claws for digging. Tail bushy, striped longitudinally and often held as sunshade. Colonies live in burrows, foraging by day. Not arboreal. Eats plant matter, sometimes insects. Litters of up to three born at any time. Dry inland areas in west.
Similar
SURICATE See p. 177.
Paraxerus cepapi
2 TREE SQUIRREL
Pale grey in west, buff in east. Underparts only slightly paler than above. Tail not very bushy. Diurnal. Arboreal. Lives in small family groups but forages alone, sometimes on ground. May move into roofs of houses. Eats wide range of vegetable matter, insects; caches excess food. Litters of up to three born mostly in summer. North and northeast.
Similar
GREY SQUIRREL Sciurus carolinensis
Introduced. Grey. Associated with exotic trees in extreme southwest.
STRIPED TREE SQUIRREL Funisciurus congicus
Very small (14 cm plus 16 cm tail). Buff. White stripe on flanks. Northern Namibia.
SUN SQUIRREL Heliosciurus mutabilis
Brown or black. Banded tail. Mozambique and eastern Zimbabwe.
Paraxerus palliatus
3 RED SQUIRREL
Grizzled back and sides. Underparts and tail bright red or ginger. Diurnal. Arboreal. Solitary. Mobs predators, uttering clicks and trills. Eats plant matter, some insects. One or two young per litter, born in summer. Confined to forests in eastern Mozambique and along northeast coast of South Africa.
Graphiurus murinus
4 WOODLAND DORMOUSE
Grey with dark mask around eyes. White below jaw. Underparts pale grey. Nocturnal. Arboreal. Often shelters in roofs. Eats insects, seeds. Litters of up to three in summer. Widespread except arid west.
Similar
SPECTACLED DORMOUSE G. ocularis
Larger (14 cm plus 11 cm tail). White cheeks and chin. Black face.
Georychus capensis
5 CAPE MOLE-RAT
Black-and-white face. Massive, protruding incisor teeth. Tiny eyes and ears. Cylindrical, buff-coloured body. Short legs. Short bristly tail. Subterranean, occasionally dispersing on soil surface. Pushes up molehills. Eats plants underground. Litters of up to four. Coastal areas of Western and Eastern Cape, Drakensberg foothills.
Similar
COMMON MOLE-RAT Cryptomys hottentotus
Plain grey head and body. Widespread.
CAPE DUNE MOLE-RAT Bathyergus suillus
Larger (up to 30 cm). Mottled grey-brown.
Southwestern Cape only.
NAMAQUA DUNE MOLE-RAT B. janetta
White side stripes. West coast of Northern Cape.
1 GREATER CANE-RAT
Nose blunt. Eyes small. Ears almost hidden by hair. Dark brown, coarse hair. Underparts pale grey. Robust limbs. Tail short, hairy. Nocturnal. In dense reeds near water. Eats grass, reeds, cane crops. North and east.
Similar
DASSIE RAT Petromys typicus
Much smaller (under 32 cm including 14 cm tail).
Namibia and Northern Cape.
LESSER CANE-RAT T. gregorianus
Smaller (under 55 cm including tail). South-central Zimbabwe.
Cricetomys gambianus
2 GIANT RAT
Size distinctive. Grey-brown with paler underparts. Eyes set in dark facial area. Terminal third of tail white. Nocturnal. Mainly terrestrial but climbs trees after fruit. Northeast.
Rattus rattus
3 HOUSE RAT
Introduced. Hair coarse. Brownish-grey. Underparts pale, sometimes white. Feet large and strong. Tail scaly, at least body length. Nocturnal. Omnivorous. Up to 10 young born at any time. Associated with human habitation.
Similar
WATER RAT Dasymys incomtus
Dark, woolly hair. Tail shorter than body.
RED VELD RAT Aethomys chrysophilus
Reddish-fawn. Flanks lighter. Underside pale grey.
Otomys angoniensis
4 ANGONI VLEI RAT
Large ears. Quite long, soft hair. Dark grey tinged with buff above, pale grey below. Tail about one third body length, black above. Diurnal. Builds grass nest above water level in swampy areas. Central areas and northeast.
Similar
VLEI RAT O. irroratus
Tail about half body length. Central areas and south.
SLOGGETT’S RAT O. sloggetti
Reddish-brown. High altitudes in Drakensberg and Lesotho.
BRANTS’ WHISTLING RAT Parotomys brantsii
Tail about two-thirds body length. Kalahari and Namaqualand.
WOOSNAM’S DESERT RAT Zelotomys woosnami
Pale grey. White below. Long tail. Kalahari Desert.
Rhabdomys pumilio
5 STRIPED MOUSE
Reddish-brown to grey-yellow. Four stripes along back. White underparts. Tail darker on top. Diurnal. Keeps under cover of vegetation, moving rapidly across open spaces. Omnivorous. Nine young born in summer. Widespread except north.
Similar
SINGLE-STRIPED MOUSE Lemniscomys rosalia
One dark stripe along back. North.
LARGE-EARED MOUSE Malacothrix typica
Large ears. Dark streaks on back and hips. West.
Mastomys coucha and M. natalensis
1 MULTIMAMMATE MICE
Two species indistinguishable. Grey-brown. Pale flanks. Underside greyish. Female has 8 to 12 nipples. Nocturnal. Up to 20 young born monthly. North and east.
Similar
HOUSE MOUSE Mus musculus
Brown above, paler below. Widespread near human habitation.
NAMAQUA ROCK MOUSE Aethomys namaquensis
Tail longer than body. White below. Rock outcrops throughout southern Africa.
PYGMY MOUSE Mus minutoides
Much smaller (5 cm plus 5 cm tail). Pure white below.
Eastern half of region.
FAT MOUSE Steatomys pratensis
Feet and underparts white. North and east.
SPINY MOUSE Acomys spinosissimus
Distinctive spiny coat.
Thallomys paedulcus
2 TREE RAT
Yellowish-grey, lighter on flanks. White underparts. Eyes ringed with black. Nocturnal. Arboreal. Groups nest in tree holes stuffed with leaves and twigs. Northern two-thirds of region.
Tatera leucogaster
3 BUSHVELD GERBIL
Grey-brown. White underparts. Hind legs longer, stronger than forelegs. Tuft of black hair at tip of tail. Nocturnal. Hops rather than walks. Northern two-thirds of region.
Similar
SHORT-TAILED GERBIL Desmodillus auricularis
Short tail. White patch at base of ears. Western half of region.
HAIRY-FOOTED GERBIL Gerbillurus paeba
Smaller (10 cm plus 11 cm tail). Hair on soles of feet.
CAPE GERBIL Tatera afra
Long, woolly coat. Extreme southwest.
HIGHVELD GERBIL T. brantsii
Tail white near base. Throughout central interior.
Dendromus melanotis
4 GREY CLIMBING MOUSE
Ashy grey. Dark spot on forehead. Dark stripe down back. Curls tail around stems while climbing. Makes ball-shaped nest in tall grass. Widespread except arid west and Karoo.
Similar
CHESTNUT CLIMBING MOUSE D. mystacalis
Bright chestnut with dark dorsal stripe. Northeast.
PYGMY ROCK MOUSE Petromyscus collinus
Larger (9 cm plus 9 cm tail). Yellowish-grey.
Rocky areas of Namibia.
Saccostomus campestris
5 POUCHED MOUSE
Large cheek pouches. Round body. Short tail. Soft, grey coat. White underparts. Slow-moving. Nocturnal. Lives in burrows. Widespread except arid west and mountainous east.
Similar
WHITE-TAILED RAT Mystromys albicaudatus
Short tail plus feet white. Central areas, south and southeast.
1 LEOPARD
Ears small, rounded. Pale yellow-gold with dark spots, those on flanks arranged in rosettes. Legs strongly built. Tail long. Mostly nocturnal, especially in areas of human development. Solitary. Territorial. Male’s territory overlaps those of several females. Long-range contact call a rasping cough. Rests in trees, thick cover or caves. Prey (mainly medium-sized mammals) is stalked, rushed from short range and killed by bites to back of neck, skull or throat. Carcasses often hoisted into trees and fed on over several days. Diet also includes mice, birds, reptiles, fish, insects. Usually two or three cubs per litter. Young disperse at 18 months to two years. Widespread except central South Africa and in true desert.
Acinonyx jubatus
2 CHEETAH
Head small. Dark “tear stripes” from inside each eye to back of lips. Ears small, rounded. Fur coarse, buff with black spots. Limbs long, slender. Tail long. Female solitary. Males sometimes in twos or threes. Hunts in cooler part of day by sprinting after prey at speeds up to 100 km/h. Knocks prey down and kills with throat bite. Drags prey to cover; feeds quickly to avoid scavengers. Prey includes medium-sized antelope or the young of larger species; also hares and ground birds. Rarely returns to a kill. Up to six cubs per litter. Mother frequently moves cubs to new refuges to avoid predators. Cubs disperse at 12 months. Savanna woodland and grassland undisturbed by human settlement. Northern half of region.
Panthera leo
3 LION
Males’ manes range from small ruffs to full capes around head and shoulders. Tawny, sometimes with grey cast. Underparts pale or white. Black tuft at end of tail. Cubs have pale spots on limbs and underside. Prides consist of a group of four to 12 related females and one to six males, unrelated to the females. Female group is stable; males are replaced after one to 10 years. Prides are territorial. Intruders are warned off by roaring. Most hunting is by females. Males appropriate kills and cubs get leftovers. Prey includes large and small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects. Female leaves pride to give birth to up to six cubs. Cubs are introduced to pride at about six weeks. Female cubs remain in pride; males leave after two or three years. Northern half of region, mostly confined to conservation areas.
Leptailurus serval
4 SERVAL
Ears large, upright, bluntly pointed. Buffy brown. Black irregularly shaped spots and bands. Lightly built, long-legged. Tail short. Solitary. Nocturnal. Usually seen near water and dense grass or reeds. Eats mice and occasionally birds, insects. Litters of up to three in summer. North and east.
1 CARACAL
Face marked with black and white around eyes and sides of short muzzle. Back of ears black sprinkled with white, with long black tassels on tips. Body and limbs uniform russet above, white or buff on underside. Legs strongly built. Paws large. Tail short. Solitary. Usually nocturnal, especially where persecuted. Eats mammals up to impala size, birds, reptiles, invertebrates. Litters of up to four in summer. Favours woodland and scrub throughout southern Africa.
Felis sylvestris
2 AFRICAN WILD CAT
Similar to a tabby domestic cat but legs longer, back of ears rich orange-red. Hybridises with domestic cat. Markings on body sometimes very indistinct. Solitary. Nocturnal. Terrestrial but can climb well. Sleeps in dense cover, rock crevices or holes in ground. Eats mammals up to size of rabbits, young of small antelope, reptiles, birds, invertebrates. Litters of 2–5 in summer. Widespread except in desert.
Felis nigripes
3 SMALL SPOTTED (BLACK-FOOTED) CAT
Back of ears same colour as body. Pale tawny with distinct spots. Dark stripes on throat, shoulders, upper limbs. Tail short. Solitary. Nocturnal, secretive. Terrestrial but can climb well. Sleeps in dense cover, rock crevices or holes in ground. Eats mice, invertebrates. Litters of about three in summer. Open scrub in dry central areas.
Genetta genetta
4 SMALL-SPOTTED GENET
Pointed muzzle. Striking black bars in front of eyes. Large rounded ears. Pale grey or buff with small black or rusty spots. Looks like a long, slim cat. Legs dark. Tail long and slightly bushy, with black bands and white tip. Solitary. Nocturnal. Arboreal; very agile climber. Eats small vertebrates, arthropods, fruit. Litters of up to five in summer. Widespread except in moist areas east of Drakensberg.
Similar
LARGE-SPOTTED GENET G. tigrina
Spots larger. Legs pale. Tail tip black. East and south.
Civettictis civetta
5 AFRICAN CIVET
“Bandit’s mask” markings on face. Neck and body striped and spotted black on grey. Tail banded. Limbs black. Solitary. Nocturnal. Terrestrial. Eats invertebrates, fruit, small vertebrates, carrion; takes distasteful foods such as millipedes, frogs. Often scavenges around camp sites. Litters of up to four in summer. Woodland and forest wherever water is available. North and northeast.
Similar
TREE CIVET Nandinia binotata
Brown with small dark spots. Arboreal. Only in forests in extreme northeast.
Otocyon megalotis
6 BAT-EARED FOX
Muzzle black with white band across forehead. Ears very large. Hair long and fluffy, grizzled grey. Limbs slender, black. Tail bushy with broad black tip. Active day or night but avoids daytime heat. Often in pairs or families. Sleeps in holes in ground. Detects insect prey by sound, digging for buried larvae. Eats insects, especially termites, beetle larvae. Up to six young born in summer. Favours dry, open country. Western two-thirds of region, extending down Limpopo valley into Kruger National Park.
1 BLACK-BACKED JACKAL
Muzzle long, pointed. Ears upright, pointed. Lips, chin and throat white. Mantle of black flecked with white on shoulders, back of neck, back, upper flanks. Sides of neck, lower flanks and limbs buffy to rich reddish-brown. Tail bushy with black tip. Active day or night in undisturbed country; nocturnal in developed areas. Forages singly but lives in pairs or small family groups. Long-range contact call a distinctive, high, drawn out “nyaaaa-aa-aa-aa”. Omnivorous. Litters of up to six in spring. Both parents and sometimes older siblings help to raise young. Widespread except extreme northeast.
Similar
SIDE-STRIPED JACKAL C. adustus
Less distinctly marked. Tip of tail white. North and east.
CAPE FOX Vulpes chama
Smaller. Silvery grey. Head light russet. Not in north or east.
Lycaon pictus
2 AFRICAN WILD DOG
Distinctively patterned with blotches of black, tan and white. Ears large and erect with rounded tips. Legs long. Tail slightly bushy. Diurnal. Intimately social. Lives in closely bonded, extended family groups operating over huge home ranges. Hunts cooperatively to run down prey. Shares food by regurgitation. Long-range contact call a musical “hoo-hoo”; high-pitched twittering during friendly interactions. Eats mammals up to wildebeest size but mostly medium-sized antelope. Only one pair in pack breeds. Litters usually about 12 pups, cared for by all pack members. Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Kruger National Park and KwaZulu-Natal parks. Seriously endangered.
Proteles cristatus
3 AARDWOLF
Muzzle broad, black, hairless. Ears erect, bluntly pointed. Pale buff with black stripes on body and legs. Hair long. Tail bushy. Nocturnal. Lives in pairs, forages alone. Diet almost exclusively harvester termites licked from soil surface. Litters of up to four in summer. Prefers open habitats wherever termites are available. Widespread except in forest.
Crocuta crocuta
4 SPOTTED HYAENA
Muzzle dark brown, blunt, very strong. Ears rounded. Hair on neck and body short, pale brown-grey with scattered dark spots. Spots less distinct in older animals. Forequarters more powerful than hindquarters, giving sloping line to back. Tail short, bushy, dark-tipped. Female has false penis and scrotum. Nocturnal. Lives and hunts in clans. Long-range contact call is distinctive rising “whoooo-oop”; they also chatter and giggle in close groups. Hunts medium to large prey or scavenges other predators’ kills. Twins born at any time and cared for only by mother, not weaned until 18 months old. Northern half of region.
Hyaena brunnea
5 BROWN HYAENA
Muzzle and face black. Ears upright, pointed. Pale mantle of long hair on neck and shoulders. Body dark brown. Legs striped. Long hair on tail. General appearance like large shaggy dog. Lives in groups but forages alone. Territorial but ranges widely, sometimes entering urban localities. Scavenges carrion, eggs, insects; eats melons for water. Nomadic males mate with territorial females. Litters of up to four born at any time; cared for by group. Prefers arid habitats in central areas and northwest.
1 STRIPED POLECAT
Pointed snout. White patches on forehead and cheeks. Black with four striking white stripes along body. Long hair. Bushy tail mostly white. Solitary. Nocturnal. Defends itself with spray of stinking secretion from anal glands. Largely insectivorous. Frequently seen killed on roads. Up to three young born in summer. Throughout southern Africa.
Similar
2 AFRICAN WEASEL Poecilogale albinucha
Cheeks black. Forehead and neck all-white. Elongated body.
Mellivora capensis
3 HONEY BADGER
Ears and eyes small. Solidly built. Black with white or grey back. Legs short and strong with long claws. Solitary; occasionally in pairs or small groups. Mainly nocturnal. Raids beehives for honey; digs up rodents, spiders. Very aggressive. Twins born in summer. Widespread except Namib Desert, central areas and southeast.
Aonyx capensis
4 CAPE CLAWLESS OTTER
Muzzle short, blunt. Ears very small. Brown with white chin, throat, neck and chest. Sleek, lithe. Nails (not claws) on fingers and toes. Hind feet webbed. Tail thick at base, tapering to short point. Found in sea or freshwater. Probably territorial. Solitary or in pairs or families. Eats fish, crustaceans, molluscs, birds, insects. Crushes crab shells, unlike water mongoose. Twins born at any time. Eastern half of region and extreme north, also along Orange River and south coast.
Similar
SPOTTED-NECKED OTTER Lutra maculicollis
Throat and chest mottled pale cream. Feet have claws.
Manis temminckii
5 PANGOLIN
No external ears. Upperparts covered in scales. Forefeet have heavy claws. Solitary. Nocturnal. Walks on hind legs. Rips open termite nests and licks up insects. If molested rolls up into a ball, with head protected by tail. Single young born in midwinter; rides crossways on mother’s back. Widespread except in south and in forest or desert.
Orycteropus afer
6 AARDVARK
Long, pig-like snout. Long, pointed ears. Pale buff-grey skin shows through sparse hair. Hunched posture. Limbs strong and heavy with thick claws on feet. Tail thick, tapered. Solitary. Strictly nocturnal. Sleeps by day in one of several large, self-dug burrows. Ant and termite nests are clawed open and insects licked out. Single young born in early spring. Widespread except in desert and forest.
Suricata suricatta
Black “bandit’s mask” around eyes. Light brown with darker stripes across back. Legs longer than in other small mongooses. Long claws. Tail thin with black tip. Diurnal. Forages in soil and litter. Highly social in family groups. Sentinels keep watch for predators. Only one pair in each group breeds; litters cared for by whole group. Western half of region.
Similar
CAPE GROUND SQUIRREL See p. 170.
Cynictis penicillata
2 YELLOW MONGOOSE
Tip of nose black. Body brownish or reddish-yellow in south, tending to grey in north. Tail bushy with white tip. Diurnal. Lives in groups in communal burrow but forages singly. Flees with tail arched up. Eats mostly invertebrates; occasionally succulent plants for moisture. Litters of up to five in summer. Western half of region except Namib Desert.
Similar
WHITE-TAILED MONGOOSE Ichneumia albicauda
Legs long, black. Tail white except base. North and east.
SELOUS’ MONGOOSE Paracynictis selousi
Dark face and lower limbs. White tail tip. Northeast.
Galerella sanguinea
3 SLENDER MONGOOSE
Tip of nose red. Colour varies from orange to dark grey. Long, low-slung. Tail thin with black tip. Solitary. Diurnal. Hunts along paths and roads for invertebrates, fruit, carrion. Flees with tail horizontal; flicks it up when reaching cover. One or two young born in summer. North of Orange and Tugela rivers.
Similar
SMALL GREY MONGOOSE G. pulverulenta
Grizzled grey. Tail tip only slightly darker. Southwest.
Atilax paludinosus
4 WATER MONGOOSE
Head larger than in other mongooses. Dark reddish-brown to black. Hair long, coarse. Tail bushy at base, tapering to thin tip. Toes not webbed as in otters. Crepuscular in vegetation close to water. Solitary or with young. Eats small waterside animals leaving crab shells whole. One or two young born in summer. South and east and along Orange River.
Similar
LARGE GREY MONGOOSE Herpestes ichneumon
Tail slender with black tip. Diurnal. Small family groups.
Mungos mungo
5 BANDED MONGOOSE
Brownish-grey with narrow dark stripes on rear half of body. Diurnal. Groups up to 30 forage in soil and litter; sleep together in burrows. Chatter frequently. Eats mainly insects, fruit. All females in group breed and suckle each other’s young. Open woodland in north and east.
Helogale parvula
6 DWARF MONGOOSE
Very dark brown. Legs short. Diurnal. Territorial. Highly social in family groups. Sentinels watch for predators. Forages in soil and litter. Sleeps in burrows often in termite mounds. Only one pair in group breeds; litters cared for by whole group. Dry open woodland and grassland in north and northeast.
1 CAPE FUR SEAL
Muzzle pointed. Whiskers long, thick. Neck thick, especially in males. Limbs modified into flippers. Brown fur short, dense. More aquatic than terrestrial. Feeds on fish, octopus, crayfish at sea. Rests and breeds on land. Male defends harem of females in breeding colony. Single pup born in summer. Breeding colonies on western coast and offshore islands. Found in inshore waters of west and south coast as far east as East London.
Eubalaena australis
2 SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALE
Head large with small eyes. No external ears. Nostrils form blow-hole on top of head. Mouth very large, arched. Pale callosities on head are different on each whale. Front limbs modified to flippers. No hind limbs. Horizontal tail fins. Filter-feeds on plankton. Swims slowly near surface, sometimes rolling, splashing, leaping. Migrates from Antarctic Ocean to Cape inshore waters in June and returns in December. Single calf born off southern Cape coast around August.
Delphinus delphis
3 SHORT-BEAKED COMMON DOLPHIN
Elongated, pointed beak. Body streamlined; neck and head indistinguishable. Dark grey above, pale below. Hourglass pattern on sides; front half brown-grey, rear half pale grey. Prominent fin. Flippers sharply pointed. No hind limbs. Horizontal tail flukes. Strong, agile swimmer, frequently jumping clear of water. Feeds cooperatively by surrounding fish shoals. Throughout southern African waters.
Similar
BOTTLENOSED DOLPHIN Tursiops aduncus
Plain grey, slightly paler below. Wide, rounded beak.
Giraffa camelopardalis
4 GIRAFFE
Tallest living animal; unmistakable. Long neck and legs. Covered with dark brown blotches on buffy background. Pair of blunt “horns” on top of head. Back slopes from shoulders to rump. Tail has long, black hairs at tip. Females and young in small herds; bulls solitary. Bulls fight by swinging their heads at each other. Browses on trees, bushes. Single calf born at any time. Savanna woodland in north.
Equus quagga
5 PLAINS ZEBRA
Muzzle black. Rest of animal striped black and white; stripes extend under belly. Stripes on lower legs faint. Usually pale chestnut shadow stripes on rump. No dewlap. Breeding groups of up to about five mares held by one stallion. Young males form bachelor herds. Breeding group flees predators in a tight bunch with stallion as rearguard. Alarm call a sharp yelp “kwa-ha-ha”. Grazes on short grass in grassland and open woodland where water is available. Single foal born at any time. North and east.
Similar
CAPE MOUNTAIN ZEBRA E. zebra zebra
White belly. Legs boldly striped. Lateral stripes on rump.
No shadow stripes. Dewlap under throat. Confined to conservation areas in Western and Eastern Cape.
HARTMANN’S MOUNTAIN ZEBRA E.z. hartmannae
Mountains of central Namibia.
1 ELEPHANT
Largest land mammal; unmistakable. Nose and upper lip elongated into trunk. Usually has a pair of tusks growing down and forwards from upper lip. Ears very large. Almost hairless with rough grey skin, often coloured by dust or mud. Limbs massive. Females and young live in family herds. Males solitary or in small groups. Complex social life. Drinks daily if possible, fond of bathing and wallowing. Eats about 170 kg (up to 300 kg) of vegetation per day. Single calf born at four- to five-year intervals. Confined to large conservation areas except in northeast and extreme north.
Ceratotherium simum
2 WHITE RHINOCEROS
Also known as Square-lipped rhinoceros. Upper lip broad. Two horns on nose. Ears bluntly pointed. Eyes small. Neck thick and powerful with hump at shoulders. Three toes on each foot. Hair sparse, showing bare grey skin. Cows and young bulls in groups. Breeding bulls solitary, territorial. Single calf born at two- to four-year intervals. Calf runs in front of mother. Grazes grass. Confined to conservation areas.
Similar
BLACK RHINOCEROS Diceros bicornis
Also known as Hook-lipped rhinoceros. Upper lip pointed.
Ears rounded. Solitary. Calf runs behind mother. Browses trees, shrubs. Endangered.
Hippopotamus amphibius
3 HIPPOPOTAMUS
Massive head with very wide muzzle. Huge mouth armed with tusks. Eyes and ears small, high on head. Barrel-shaped body. Short thick neck. Thick legs. Short, flattened tail with fringe of stiff bristles. Almost hairless skin brownish-grey with pinkish folds. Spends most of day in water with eyes, ears and nostrils exposed. Can submerge for up to six minutes. Grazes at night, sometimes travelling long distances. Single calf born at any time, sometimes in water. North and northeast.
Potamochoerus porcus
4 BUSHPIG
Blunt muscular snout. Small eyes. Pointed, tufted ears. Similar to domestic pig but has coarse reddish to dark brown hair. Long white hairs along back, on sides of face and ears. Tusks not conspicuous. Social in sounders of up to 12. Nocturnal. Runs with tail down. Omnivorous; diet includes carrion, newborn lambs, roots, crops. Litters of three or four born in large nests in summer. Forests and dense vegetation in northeast and along southeast coast.
Phacochoerus africanus
5 WARTHOG
Blunt muscular snout. Large tusks emerge from mouth, curve upwards and inwards. Large “warts” on sides of face. Coarse dark mane on neck and back. Rest of body sparsely bristly. Thin tail. Runs with tail held straight up. Small family groups. Diurnal. Sleeps in holes. Fond of wallowing. Omnivorous, mainly grazing. Litters of up to six born in holes in summer. Northern half of region.
1 BUFFALO
Curved horns on both sexes rise from heavy bosses, spread out and downwards, then curve up and inwards. Brownish-grey colour, darkening with age. Hair sparse in old bulls. Herds of up to thousands. Old bulls solitary or in small groups. Grazes grass; occasionally browses on small trees, shrubs. Single calf born in summer. Inhabits grassland where water and shade is available. North and east.
Connochaetes taurinus
2 BLUE WILDEBEEST
Face black. Horns on both sexes spread outwards, then up and inwards. Black mane on neck and shoulders. Long hair hanging from chin and throat. Adult grey with silvery sheen and faint darker stripes on upper body. Tail black. Calf buff. Females and bachelor herds of up to 30, sometimes aggregations of thousands. Breeding bulls territorial. Migratory in some areas. Eats grass. Single calf born in November or December. Open woodland within 15 km of drinking water in north-central areas and northeast.
Similar
BLACK WILDEBEEST C. gnou
Horns spread forwards and upwards. Tail white. Stiff hair on muzzle. South-central highveld grassland.
Alcelaphus buselaphus
3 RED HARTEBEEST
Head long, narrow. Black on top of muzzle. Horns set high on head, rise straight up, curve forwards then sharply backwards. Back slopes from hump on shoulders. Brick-red with black on shoulders and legs. Pale upper rump. Female less distinctly marked. Herds of up to 20, sometimes aggregations of hundreds. Breeding bulls territorial. Grazes on grass; will browse if grass is in short supply. Young born in early summer. Grassland and savanna in dry central areas and northwest.
Similar
LICHTENSTEIN’S HARTEBEEST A. lichtensteinii
Yellowish with no black markings. Northeast.
Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi
4 BLESBOK
White blaze on muzzle and forehead broken by dark bar between eyes. Horns on both sexes rise straight up, spread sideways and back, then forwards and inwards, ridged for most of length. Body dark red-brown. Belly white. Pale on rump. Small herds. Ram marks territory with dung heap. Grazes or browses if grass unavailable. Young born around December. Central South Africa.
Similar
BONTEBOK D. p. dorcas
White blaze not broken by dark bar between eyes. Rump and lower legs white. Southwestern Cape.
Damaliscus lunatus
5 TSESSEBE
Narrow muzzle. Front of face dark. Horns on both sexes spread outwards, then back, then slightly upwards. Body red-brown with purplish sheen. Darker patches on front of shoulders, upper limbs and in narrow stripe down forelegs. Yellow on belly and inside legs. Small herds. Breeding bulls territorial. Grazes on tall or freshly sprouted grass. Young born around October. Woodland and grassland edges where water is accessible in north and northeast. Patchy distribution.
1 SPRINGBOK
White face. Black band through eye along side of face. Horns on both sexes rise upwards, then out and backwards, then forwards and in. Cinnamon above. White below, on rump and inside of legs. Dark chocolate stripe along flanks. Small herds. Rarely congregates in thousands. Breeding rams territorial. Migratory in some areas. Can live without drinking water. Displays by leaping vertically on all four legs (“pronking”). Grazes or browses; also eats roots, melons for moisture. Breeds in rainy season. Open grassland, Karoo and scrub in dry west.
Aepyceros melampus melampus
2 IMPALA
Black spot on top of head. Top of muzzle dark brown. Horns on males only, ridged and forming graceful lyre shape. Reddish-brown, paler on lower flanks. White underparts. Black stripes on rump either side of white haunches and down centre of tail. Black patches above hind ankles. Herds of six to 20; up to 100 in dry season. Males territorial during winter rutting, driving other males away from harem by roaring and fighting. Single lamb born in spring. Dependent on water daily. Browses and grazes. Open woodland where water is available in northeast; widely translocated throughout the region.
Similar
BLACK-FACED IMPALA A.m. petersi
Black blaze on muzzle. Northern Namibia.
Kobus ellipsiprymnus
3 WATERBUCK
White “eyebrows”. Horns on males only, long, ridged, sweeping outwards and slightly back in wide arc. White throat. White ring on rump. Coat shaggy, grey-brown. Small herds of 12 or more females and young or bachelors. Breeding males solitary, territorial. Young born in summer. Grazes in grassland and dense cover close to water. Northeast; widely translocated in areas with good rainfall.
Kobus leche
4 RED LECHWE
Horns on males only, long, ridged, sweeping slightly backwards and upwards in smooth arc. Rich yellow-red. White underparts. Black down front of forelegs. Rump distinctly higher than shoulders. Tail tip black. Herds of up to 30, sometimes aggregations of thousands. Enters water freely. Runs through shallows with bounding action. Swims well. Males hold small territories for breeding. Young born in summer. Grazes on waterside grasses. Okavango Swamp and Chobe floodplain.
Similar
5 PUKU K. vardonii
Horns shorter, thicker. No black on forelegs.
1 GREY RHEBOK
Eyes ringed with white. Horns on males only, narrow vertical spikes with slight forward curve. Ears tall, narrow. Hair long, woolly. Brownish-grey. Underparts white. Small herds. Rams are territorial. When alarmed flees with rocking-horse action while flashing white underside of tail. Independent of surface water. Single lamb born in summer. Grazes on rocky slopes with grass cover. Southern and central areas of South Africa.
Redunca arundinum
2 REEDBUCK
White facial markings and upper throat. Horns on males only, lower portion ridged, curving out and forward. Pale yellow-brown or grey-brown. White underparts. Dark brown down front of forelegs. Tail short and bushy with white underside. Pairs or small family groups in tall grass and reeds near water. Avoids thick bush. Rams are territorial. Generally grazes grass. North and east.
Redunca fulvorufula
3 MOUNTAIN REEDBUCK
Head and neck yellower than greyish-brown body. Horns on males only, short, thick, lower section ridged, upper section curved sharply forward. No dark brown on forelegs. Coat woolly. White underside of tail exposed when fleeing. Herds of about six or more in dry stony areas with grass and scattered bushes. Active mornings and evenings. Mountainous areas in east and south.
Ourebia ourebi
4 ORIBI
Pale on sides of face, above eyes and on throat. Horns on males only, thin, upright with slight forward curve, heavily ridged at base. Glandular patch below ears. Chestnut-buff with white underparts including chest. Upperside of tail black. Long, thin neck. Solitary or small family groups. Prefers short or burned grass. Rests on raised ground with head up to watch for danger. Independent of surface water. Selective browser and grazer. Scattered distribution in east and north.
Raphicerus campestris
5 STEENBOK
Large ears strikingly marked on inside. Black on top of muzzle. Horns on males only, upright spikes, ridged at base. Rich brick-red. White underparts. Hooves sharply pointed. Solitary or in pairs. Territorial. Buries its urine and faeces. Active mainly in morning and evening. Independent of water. Selective browser and grazer; digs for roots and tubers in grassland where there is some tree cover. Single lamb born at any time. Widespread except in forest, desert and rocky hills.
1 KLIPSPRINGER
Head small. Muzzle pointed. Horns on males only, short, straight spikes. Body compact. Grey-yellow speckled with brown or black. Stands on tips of hooves. Territorial pairs or parents with young inhabit mountainous or rocky habitat. Agile runner and leaper on steep rocks. Alarm call a piercing whistle. Independent of water. Browses bushes, trees. Single lamb born at any time. Discontinuous but widespread, restricted to rocky areas.
Sylvicapra grimmia
2 COMMON DUIKER
Dark band on top of muzzle. Glandular slits in sides of face. Spiky tuft of hair between ears. Horns on males only, straight and sharp, ridged at base. Colour varies from grey to red-yellow. Solitary in a variety of habitats that provide cover. Hides if disturbed; dashes off at last moment. Active dawn and evening. Independent of water. Browses and digs for wide range of vegetable food and small invertebrates. Single lamb born at any time. Throughout southern Africa.
Raphicerus melanotis
3 CAPE GRYSBOK
Horns on males only, short, smooth and straight, sloping backwards in same plane as face. Large ears. Rich brick-red, flecked with white. Underparts buffy. Slightly hunched posture. False “hooves” above fetlocks of hind legs. Solitary or in pairs. Secretive. Nocturnal but may be seen at dawn and dusk. Grazes in fynbos. Single lamb born in early summer. Extreme south and southwest.
Similar
SHARPE’S GRYSBOK R. sharpei
No false hooves. Only in northeast.
Neotragus moschatus
4 SUNI
Pointed muzzle. Deep glandular slits in sides of face. Horns on males only, rising from just above eyes, sloping back in same plane as face, ridged almost to tips. Hindquarters higher than shoulders. Reddish-brown. Pale underparts. Pairs or small groups with territorial male. Secretive in thick forest habitat. Browses or eats fallen leaves. Single lamb born in summer. Extreme north and northeast.
Madoqua kirkii
5 DAMARA DIK-DIK
Muzzle sharply pointed, swollen just behind tip. White around eyes. Erects tuft of long hair on forehead when stressed. Horns on males only, short, ridged, backward-sloping. Grizzled yellow-grey. White underparts. Hunched posture. Pairs or families browse in thickets, woodland. Single lamb born in summer. Northern Namibia.
Cephalophus monticola
6 BLUE DUIKER
Smallest antelope in southern Africa. Glandular slits in sides of face. Both sexes have short spike-like horns with tuft of hair between. Colour varies from slate grey to brown with grey sheen. Underparts white. Tail has white fringe. Hunched posture. Secretive. Solitary or in pairs. Browses in dense forest, coastal bush. Single lamb born at any time. One population along southeast coast, another in southern Mozambique.
Similar
RED DUIKER C. natalensis
Uniform red above and below. Black and white tail tip. East and northeast coast with isolated population in Soutpansberg.
1 KUDU
Narrow white bar across face just in front of eyes. Large ears. Wide spiralling horns on males only. Mane on shoulders. Male has beard below neck. Pale grey-brown with narrow vertical white stripes over back. Tail brown above, white below. Small herds in woodland and savanna where water is available. Males and females separate except in breeding season. Mainly browses but also grazes fresh grass. Young born mostly in late summer. Throughout southern Africa.
Tragelaphus spekei
2 SITATUNGA
White bar on face between eyes. Shallow spiralling horns on males only. Two white patches on front of neck. Hair long, rough. Male dark brown, female more reddish-brown. White on legs. Long, splayed hooves. Rests in reedbeds, moves out at night to graze. Very good swimmer. Single young born in late summer. Only in northern Okavango and Chobe.
Tragelaphus angasii
3 NYALA
White bar in front of eyes, broken in middle. White spots on cheeks. Horns on males only, curling out and back, then in and forward. Horns have distinct white tips. Male dark grey with about 12 white stripes over back; long black mane, beard and fringe beneath entire body. Legs yellow. Female chestnut with narrow white stripes over back. Secretive. Small herds browse in woodland, thickets. Young born mostly in summer. East and northeast.
Tragelaphus scriptus
4 BUSHBUCK
Pale patches in front of eyes. Horns on males only, shallow spirals with spiral ridge. White band on throat and at base of neck. Male chocolate brown, female grey-buff to chestnut. White spots on flanks and 4–8 white transverse stripes on back. Secretive. Solitary or in small groups in thick cover near water. Mainly browses. Young born at any time. North and east plus coastal bush in south and east.
1 ELAND
Brush of coarse hair on forehead of males only. Horns on both sexes, tightly spiralled with deep spiral ridge. Horns longer and thicker in male. Neck of male enormously thick with bearded dewlap. Body and legs fawn, grey in prime males, especially around neck. Herds of up to about 50; aggregations of thousands in northern Kalahari. Bull makes clicking sound as it walks. Browses. Single calf born at any time. Central areas, north and northeast plus Drakensberg.
Hippotragus niger
2 SABLE ANTELOPE
Top of muzzle black. White stripe from in front of each eye extending to mouth. Black stripe along each cheek. Lower jaw white. Long scimitar-like horns in both sexes, swept backwards over shoulders. Horns much heavier in mature bulls. Ears long, russet-coloured. Mature bulls glossy black with long, upstanding mane. Cows and young males brown, darkening with age. All have white underparts. Calf russet. Prefers dry grassland with limited bush where water is available. Mostly grazes but will browse if grass is poor. Herds of up to 30 females and young are controlled by an old cow. During breeding a bull will dominate the herd and defend his position aggessively. Single calf born in late summer. Northeast but historically more widely distributed.
Hippotragus equinus
3 ROAN ANTELOPE
White patches in front of eyes not reaching white muzzle. Horns with backward sweep in both sexes. Ears long with tassels on tips. Neck has mane and beard of black-tipped hair. Grey-brown tinged reddish. Underparts paler. Tail black-tipped. Herds of about 12. Not territorial. Dominant bull maintains access to female herd by defeating other bulls. Grazes, prefering tall grass. Single calf born at any time. Open woodland with long grass and available water. North and northeast.
Oryx gazella
4 GEMSBOK
White across forehead between eyes. Black stripe from base of each horn though eye to middle of lower jaw. Horns long and straight in both sexes. Neck very thick. Grey with black stripe along spine. Black patch on top of rump. Black band low on flanks. Belly white. Legs black and white. Tail black. Small herds of about 15; many more during rains. Also solitary bulls. Single calf born in summer; remains hidden from herd for about a month. Grazes in semi-desert habitats, eating wild melons for moisture. Independent of surface water. Arid central areas and northwestern half of region.
