African zoology

Abstract

This continuation of Dr Smith's "African Zoology" provides detailed taxonomic descriptions of several mammalian species belonging to the orders Insectivora and Carnivora, with a focus on specimens from South and Central Africa.

Insectivora

The text details three species of Chrysochloris (Golden Moles), distinguished by their metallic fur and strong fore-claws:

1. Chrysochloris Capensis (Cape Mole): Deep green with a brilliant metallic/coppery gloss.
2. Chrysochloris Hottentota (The Red Cape Mole, Smith): Reddish-brown with a metallic gloss, found in the Eastern Cape districts.
3. Chrysochloris villosa (Natal Mole, Smith): Long, coarse tawny-brown fur sprinkled with dark brown, found towards Natal.

Descriptions of three species of Centenes (Tenrec or Tandrac), characterized by spines/bristles and the inability to roll into a ball, are also included: C. setosus (Tandrac), C. spinosus (Tenrec), and C. semispinosus (Radiated Tenrec), all inhabiting Madagascar and Mauritius.

Carnivora

The section on Carnivora is divided into Plantigrada (full foot sole on ground) and Digitigrada (walking on toes):

Plantigrada

• Ratellus typicus (The Ratel or Honey Badger): Distinguished by its robust figure and striking coloration—dull white upper parts contrasting sharply with pure black face, throat, and legs.

Digitigrada

The text provides detailed descriptions of several genera:

• Putorius (Weasels/Ferret): Including Furo (Ferret), P. Africanus (African Weasel), and P. Zorilla (Cape Weasel or Striped Muishond), known for its bushy tail and black/white striped back.
• Lutra (Otter): Including Lutra inunguis (Cape Otter), notable for having toes without nails.
• Canis (Jackals/Foxes/Wild Dogs): Features seven species, including the widely distributed aureus (Chacal) and several African endemics, characterized by variations in fur color, ear size, and tail markings: C. mesomelas (Cape Jackal), C. Niloticus (Egyptian Fox), C. variegatus, C. variegatoides (Vaal Jackal), C. familicus (Chesnut Jackal), C. Anthus (Senegal Jackal), C. pallidus, and C. Chama (The Asse or Cape Fox).
• Lycaon (African Wild Dogs): Features typicus (Burchell’s Lycaon) and L. pictus (Ruppeli's Lycaon), noted for their irregular, blotched coloration and the difference in their vocalizations (shrill "ho, ho, ho" instead of barking).
• Viverra and Genetta: Includes the description of Viverra Civetta (The Civet) and an incomplete description of Genetta vulgaris? (Common Genet).

The entry includes detailed dental formulas for each genus and references to synonymy and habitat.