31. Rock Dassie Family: Genus species: Serial numbers: (408, 410 - Oct. 1, Daries) Have observed the Dassie in Namafuald, Southwest Africa and Cape Province in rocky, habitat suitable for cover and protection. They prefer rocky cliffs which have narrow crevices and bowls. When approaching Dassies, I have seen over several old fellows standing 'look out'. When alarmed they utter a short bark which warns all the Dassies feeding or sunning themselves on the rocks. When warned thus of intruders, the Dassies utter the barking call and bound rapidly away to cover. They quite sit on a ledge and watch you or peer out at you from a crevice. As soon as you move they will hide. They can climb up perpendicular crevices in the rocks by using their paws as a brace and walking straight up. Or, they will straddle the crevice. In going down a crevice they back down usually. They are very agile in running over the rocks. Their sootless pads are light hard rubber pads which keep them from slipping on smooth rocks. Their bodies are firm and compact which insulate them for fall on the rocks. I have seen them jump straight down sharply slanted cliffs. They are extremely five-footed also can squeeze into narrow crevices. To kill a Dassie for a specimen you must hit them in the head. If you make the mistake of hitting their body they have enough strength to hide and dig in the rocks where you could never