32. Dassie Rat Family: OCTODONTIDAE Genus species: (Petromys typicus) Serial numbers: (409, 411 - Oct.1, Daries) (413 - Oct.2, Daries) This animal has been observed by me in rocky country in Namagualand and South-west Africa. It seems to favor the same habitat as the Dassie and is often mistaken for a young Dassie. This habitat is of rocks and Cliff sides which have many Crochs and Crevices favourable for escape and hiding. The Dassie rat can squeeze into very narrow crevices in making its escape. It is a shy animal but can be observed if you sit quietly and well concealed. It will dart quickly from rock to rock never for food shelter. It clings to the rocks much like the Dassie. Its skin is very thin and delicate. Two specimens I caught had no tails. They had been broken off at the body, thus the animal could easily be mistaken for a young Dassie. When I tried to kill B. Specimens, the skin almost fell apart. Was only able to make a still skin of one specimen. The rat feeds on succulent vegetation and grass near its rocky retreat. I have observed these rats feeding and darting about in the late afternoon and early morning. They like to sun themselves much like the Dassie. In the last of the day they stay under cover. One specimen had 3 Dembryopt. Body is very flexible which enables them to crawl into very narrow places. They have excellent proclivity 51