Mammals in the Fynbos
ThalleonAdmin
05/04/2024
Some of the mammals that we regularly see in Pringle Bay include the Cape grey mongoose (Galerella pulverulenta) who is endemic to Southern Africa and are opportunistic feeders that eat a wide range of mainly animal and some plant material.
They prey on small mammals and insects, but their diet also includes carrion, birds, reptiles, amphibians, wild fruits and even garbage. Water mongoose (Atilax paludinosus) seen in the wetland areas and towards the Buffels River side of town and the Large grey mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon) with its diagnostic bushy tail, have also been seen from time to time.
These mongooses all play a role in the ecosystem where they are known to opportunistically kill and feed on snakes, their thick fur providing protection from the snake bites.
Chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) are common to the area and are described as being highly intelligent, opportunistic and omnivorous primates who are gregarious, living in hierarchical troops. They feed extensively on various fynbos species such as proteas and geophytes and when foraging for bulbs they rotovate the area if there are dense clumps of these.
They eat insects, scorpions, lizards and can be seen turning over rocks and stones when foraging for them. They are important role players in the dispersal of seeds. Their catholic diet sees them foraging along the rocky shores where they eat mussels and limpets, a unique feature that only the Cape fynbos baboons are known to do.
Klipspringers (Oreotragus oreotragus) can be spotted occasionally on Hangklip and Pringle Peak, they are territorial and their hooves are especially adapted (small and rubbery) to give them extra grip when jumping and climbing rocks.
They survive the harshness of the dry summer largely due to being water independent and one of the few browsers found in the fynbos. Beautiful timid and fleet footed antelope.
The shy and endemic Cape grysbok (Raphicerus melanotis) hides in the thickets on some of the erven in town or in the shrubland along the lower mountain slopes while the common Duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) has also been seen at dawn or dusk in town.
They eat insects, scorpions, lizards and can be seen turning over rocks and stones when foraging for them. They are important role players in the dispersal of seeds. Their catholic diet sees them foraging along the rocky shores where they eat mussels and limpets, a unique feature that only the Cape fynbos baboons are known to do.
A few nocturnal animals they you may spot include the Cape Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) trundling next to the road or through your property. They are the world’s largest porcupine species (approximately a meter long and weighing 20 kg). The banded quills rattle as a warning and when erected make for a magnificent sight. They feed on bark, roots and bulbs.
These animals are territorial and monogamous, meaning they partner for life. Both the female and male adults raise the babies which are called porcupettes. The endemic Cape Genet (Genetta tigrina) are seldom seen as they are exclusively nocturnal and they feed on a variety of insects, small birds, mammals and wild fruits. Due to their omnivorous diets, they play an important ecological role in seed dispersal.
Honey Badger (Mellivora capensis) commonly known a ‘ratel’ are primarily a carnivore/insectivore and are known to search out honeybee hives (not for the honey but for the bee larvae). These animals have been spotted on various camera traps around Pringle Bay. They are known to be scavengers so indirectly killed if poison is used.
The medium sized wild cat which is occasionally seen in Pringle bay is the Caracal (Felis saxatilis) better known as “rooikat’ is a solitary and secretive predator. Their tufted ears are a diagnostic characteristic. Their population growth is attributed to the increase in alien thicket vegetation along the fynbos coastal areas.
Currently there is an interesting study on these animals on the Cape peninsula, have a look at www.urbancaracal.org. The other wild cat that is captured on the camera traps is the Cape Leopard (Panthera pardus) is very rarely seen by any of us, but occasionally reported sightings along Clarence Drive are heard about.
For further insight on the Cape leopards have a look at https://capeleopard.org.za/research/current/boland.
Cape Clawless Otters (Aonyx capensis capensis) are a privilege to spot on the beach or along the rocky shore below the coastal path. This animal is under severe pressure and is listed on the IUCN red list as Near-threatened, due to habitat change induced by man.
Mostly near wetlands, seeps and the river. Always special to see the parents with the pups swimming in the sea or feeding on then crayfish they catch on the rocks.
ThalleonAdmin