Suggested Mimicry of the South African Weasel.—It seems possible that the Snake-Weasel (Pœcilogale albinucha) of South Africa mimics the Polecat or Muishond (Zorilla striata) of the same region. How this is done, in what direction it lies, and the reasons, I will proceed to try and explain, or rather offer the following explanation:—Both these animals are black with white stripes down the back; both are moreover very much alike in looks, notwithstanding the marked generic differences. Now "Zorilla striata" is defended by its power of emitting a strong odour at will, thus resembling the American Skunks, and "Pœcilogale albinucha" is not so defended. As they reside in much the same localities, and, as far as I know, their habits are also similar, we may infer herefrom that the latter animal mimics the former. The Stink-muishond, as the mimicked is generally called in South Africa, is nocturnal, although it may be, and has been, caught wandering about shortly before and after sunset. They are noted poultry-stealers, and if one, during a nocturnal visit to a poultry-yard, happens to be disturbed or irritated in any way by something or other which may cause the animal to emit the renowned (?) stench, the smell is fearful and very apparent to anyone entering the poultry-yard next morning, and may hang about the place for days. I have seen this animal chased by Dogs, and no sooner did they get near the Polecat than it halted, humped up its back, emitted a sort of purr, raised the long hair on its back, and—phew! the Dogs made off in the opposite direction, howling dismally. Sportsmen-friends of mine tell me that Dogs do attack this animal.[1] In this case they have another trick to fall back upon—that of feigning death. Here the smell always present in the animal must no doubt assist in completing the delusion. I have myself seen one, on getting timely knowledge of the approach of Dogs, quietly stretch itself out and feign death, allowing the canine enemy to approach quite close, and even smell it. The Dogs in this case do nothing but walk away again. Now the Weasel, through natural selection—adaptation to circumstances—may mimic the warning colours of the Polecat. In addition to this it feigns death as good as the mimicked animal, and, what is more, has much the same odour as the Polecat, without the gift of being able to emit the awful stench so characteristic of the former. I would be very glad if any reader of 'The Zoologist' would give his experiences or ideas, either to corroborate the above or prove it without foundation. I think it well worth while investigating, and as matters stand I think I am justified in my opinions and deductions. Of course, until more is known of the habits of these two animals, one will never be able to reason clearly.—Alwin C. Haagner (Modderfontein, Transvaal Colony).
- ↑ The Polecat is, however, bound to have many enemies less plucky than a Dog.—A.C.H.
