MAMMALS
Oribi, Ourebia oureb
Oorbietjie
Classified as endangered, the oribi is a highly specialised antelope inhabiting Africa’s temperate grasslands. Oribi grow to around 92–110 cm in length, with a shoulder height of 50–66 cm. The back and upper chest is yellow to orange-brown, with a white chin, throat, chest, belly and rump. The short tail is bushy, with white underparts. Oribi is distinguished from similar looking antelope by the white halfmoon shaped band of fur above the eye. Below each ear is a large, round, black, glandular patch, with the preorbital glands on the side of the face. These glands produce an scented secretion used to mark the oribi's territory. Males have slender and upright horns, up to a length of 19 cm. Oribis are dependant on water and typically inhabit open grasslands or thinly bushed country. They are solitary or in pairs, or in small groups.
Rough haired golden mole, Chrysospalax villosus
Found in temperate grassland, this mole species is threatened by habitat loss. Classified as threatened since 2008, it has an unknown population trend. This golden mole species is endemic to South Africa and is found in grasslands with a very specific requirement for deep sandy or soft loam soils. For this reason they often are restricted to areas where these soil types are available. It is an extremely secretive and elusive species and is also found along edges of marshes. The rough haired golden mole has a coarse and long coat and is mostly larger than most of the other species of golden mole. The under fur is woolly and grey and the claws of the third digit of the front feet are strong. Nocturnal, rough haired golden moles are seldom seen. Their underground burrows connect with deep, permanent tunnels to form a nest. Rough haired golden moles feed on insects and earthworms.
Black-footed cat, Felis nigripes
The black-footed - is the smallest African cat. Listed as vulnerable it is one of the lesser studied African carnivores. Endemic to southern Africa, black-footed cats are solitary and strictly nocturnal, thus rarely seen. The are often found in the burrows of other mammals during daytime. Adult resident females can weigh upt to 1,7 kg. Males are larger than the females with a head-to-body length about 44 cm and with tails of about 17cm long. Females are smaller with a maximum head-to-body-length about 37 cm and shorter tails. Their stand about 25 cm high at shoulder height. Only the pads and under parts of its feet are black, which gives the black-footed cat its name. The fur varies from cinnamon-buff to tawny, with black or brown spots that form rings on the legs, neck, and tail. The backs of the rounded ears are the same colour as their coats. The range of an adult male overlaps the ranges of one to four females. Their calls are louder than those of other cats of their size, to allow them to call over larger distances. They stalk their prey, using the cover of darkness to hunt.
Oorbietjie
Classified as endangered, the oribi is a highly specialised antelope inhabiting Africa’s temperate grasslands. Oribi grow to around 92–110 cm in length, with a shoulder height of 50–66 cm. The back and upper chest is yellow to orange-brown, with a white chin, throat, chest, belly and rump. The short tail is bushy, with white underparts. Oribi is distinguished from similar looking antelope by the white halfmoon shaped band of fur above the eye. Below each ear is a large, round, black, glandular patch, with the preorbital glands on the side of the face. These glands produce an scented secretion used to mark the oribi's territory. Males have slender and upright horns, up to a length of 19 cm. Oribis are dependant on water and typically inhabit open grasslands or thinly bushed country. They are solitary or in pairs, or in small groups.
Rough haired golden mole, Chrysospalax villosus
Found in temperate grassland, this mole species is threatened by habitat loss. Classified as threatened since 2008, it has an unknown population trend. This golden mole species is endemic to South Africa and is found in grasslands with a very specific requirement for deep sandy or soft loam soils. For this reason they often are restricted to areas where these soil types are available. It is an extremely secretive and elusive species and is also found along edges of marshes. The rough haired golden mole has a coarse and long coat and is mostly larger than most of the other species of golden mole. The under fur is woolly and grey and the claws of the third digit of the front feet are strong. Nocturnal, rough haired golden moles are seldom seen. Their underground burrows connect with deep, permanent tunnels to form a nest. Rough haired golden moles feed on insects and earthworms.
Black-footed cat, Felis nigripes
The black-footed - is the smallest African cat. Listed as vulnerable it is one of the lesser studied African carnivores. Endemic to southern Africa, black-footed cats are solitary and strictly nocturnal, thus rarely seen. The are often found in the burrows of other mammals during daytime. Adult resident females can weigh upt to 1,7 kg. Males are larger than the females with a head-to-body length about 44 cm and with tails of about 17cm long. Females are smaller with a maximum head-to-body-length about 37 cm and shorter tails. Their stand about 25 cm high at shoulder height. Only the pads and under parts of its feet are black, which gives the black-footed cat its name. The fur varies from cinnamon-buff to tawny, with black or brown spots that form rings on the legs, neck, and tail. The backs of the rounded ears are the same colour as their coats. The range of an adult male overlaps the ranges of one to four females. Their calls are louder than those of other cats of their size, to allow them to call over larger distances. They stalk their prey, using the cover of darkness to hunt.