KORSMAN CONSERVANCY
MAMMAL
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As the mammals in Korsman are shy or nocturnal, we don't see them much. We know they are here by evidence of their droppings, and feeding and nesting habits.
Slender Mongoose and Mole Rat are also present.
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Water Mongoose (Atilax paludinosus) feed mainly on crabs, fish and birds. They leave the crab carapace whole instead of crushing them.
They have well established routes and toilet sites, leaving their droppings near the water's edge.
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Greater Cane Rats (Thryonomys swinderianus) are vegetarians which can reach 60cm in size. Despite their name, they are more closely related to porcupines than rats.
They leave piles of cut reeds and have distinctive grooved droppings which we see around their nesting sites in grass.
They make clear pathways on their established routes through long grass.
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Southeastern Vlei Rats (Otomys auratus) are an important source of prey for raptors.
They are also vegetarians and leave piles of cut plant stems, as they eat the stalk nodes where the most sugars are.
They leave heaps of little cylindrical droppings in regular toilet sites.
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In the evenings, insect bats are active catching flying insects.
