_Mammalia._--A much larger number of peculiar forms of mammals are found here than in any of the other sub-regions, although it is far less in extent than either of the three divisions of the continent. Among Insectivora we have the Chrysochloridæ, or golden moles, consisting of two genera confined to South Africa; while the Macroscelididæ, or elephant shrews, are also characteristically South African, although ranging as far as Mozambique and the Zambezi, with one outlying species in North Africa. The Viverridæ are represented by three peculiar genera, _Ariela_, _Cynictis_, and _Suricata_. The Carnivora present some remarkable forms: _Proteles_, forming a distinct family allied to the hyænas and weasels; and two curious forms of Canidæ--_Megalotis_ (the long-eared fox) and _Lycaon_ (the hyæna-dog), the latter found also in parts of East Africa. _Hydrogale_ is a peculiar form of Mustelidæ; _Pelea_ one of the antelopes; _Dendromys_, _Malacothrix_, and _Mystromys_ are peculiar genera of the mouse family (Muridæ); _Bathyerges_ one of the mole-rats (Spalacidæ); _Pedetes_, the Cape-hare, a remarkable form of jerboa; and _Petromys_, one of the spiny-rats (Echimyidæ). The remarkable _Orycteropus_, or earth-pig, has one species in South and one in North East Africa. We have thus eighteen genera of mammalia almost or quite peculiar to South Africa. _Birds._--These do not present so many peculiar forms, yet some are very remarkable. _Chætops_ is an isolated genus of thrushes (Turdidæ). _Lioptilus_, one of the fruit-thrushes (Pycnonotidæ). _Pogonocichla_, one of the fly-catchers; _Urolestes_, a shrike; _Promerops_, a sun-bird; _Philetærus_ and _Chera_, weaver-birds; and three peculiar genera of larks--_Spizocorys_, _Heterocorys_, and _Tephrocorys_, complete the list of peculiar types of Passeres. A wood-pecker, _Geocolaptes_, is nearly allied to a South American genus. The Cape-dove, _Oena_, is confined to South and East Africa and Madagascar; and _Thalassornis_ is a peculiar form of duck. Several genera are also confined to West and South {268}Africa;--as _Phyllastrephus_ (Pycnonotidæ), _Smithornis_ (Muscicapidæ), _Corvinella_ (Laniidæ); _Barbatula_ and _Xylobucco_ (Megalæmidæ); _Ceuthmochares_, also in Madagascar, (Cuculidæ); _Typanistria_ (Columbidæ). Other remarkable forms, though widely spread over Africa, appear to have their metropolis here, as _Colius_ and _Indicator_. Others seem to be confined to South Africa and Abyssinia, as the curious _Buphaga_ (Sturnidæ); and _Apaloderma_ (Trogonidæ). _Machærhamphus_ (Falconidæ) is found only in South-West Africa, Madagascar, and the Malay Peninsula.