The hyrax is a genus of pachydermatous mammalia, intermediate in their character between the rhinoceros and the tapir. It is the only genus of the order Hyracoidea, characterized by having no canine teeth, but long curved incisors. The front feet have four toes, and the hind feet three. The Cape hyrax was called by the colonists of South Africa the Rock-badger or Rock--rabbit. Research Hyrax
Pachydermata was a classification for hoofed mammals distinguished by the thickness of their skins, and including the elephant, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, tapir, horse, and hog. The classification is now no longer used, as the group is recognised as artificial. Research Pachydermata
Tapir is the name of four species of ungulate or hoofed animals forming the family Tapiridae. The nose resembles a short fleshy proboscis. There are four toes to the fore- feet and three to the hind-feet. The body is bulky and clumsy and the legs short. The animals are always found in forest regions, in the vicinity of water, and are nocturnal in their habits and shy and inoffensive. The Malaysian Tapir (Tapirus indicus) is the largest of the species of tapir, and is endangered - due to the destruction of its foresthabitat - and found in south-east Asia where it lives in dense tropical forests close to water feeding on shoots, twigs and aquatic plants. The Malaysian tapir is black, with a large expanse of white extending from behind the front legs, over the back and sides to the top of the rump.
Tapirs are related to the horse and rhinoceros, but are believed by many to be related to pigs, probably because of their appearance, and as such are not hunted for food by Muslim natives. Research Tapir
HMS Tapir was a British T Class patrol type submarine of 1090 tons displacement launched in 1944. HMS Tapir had a top speed of 15.25 knots surfaced and 9 knots submerged, carried a complement of 53 and was armed with one 4 inch dual-purpose gun; one 20 mm anti-aircraft gun; three machine-guns and about ten 21 inch torpedo tubes. Research Tapir
Sulawesi (Celebes) is one of the Sunda Islands, in Indonesia. It is one of the larger islands of the Indian Archipelago, lying between Borneo on the west and the Moluccas on the east It consists mainly of four large peninsulas stretching to the east and south, and separated by three deep gulfs; covering a total area of about 54,000 square miles. No part of the island is more than 70 miles from the sea.
Sulawesi is mountainous chiefly in the centre and the north, where there are several active volcanoes. It has also broad grassy plains and extensive forests. Gold is found in all the valleys of the north peninsula, which abounds in sulphur. Copper occurs at various points, and in Macassar tin also. Diamonds and other precious stones are found. The island is entirely destitute of feline or canine animals, insectivora, the elephant, rhinoceros, and tapir (though these are found in Borneo); but it has the antelopean buffalo (Anoa), the spiral-tusked pig (Babiroussa), etc. Marsupial animals are represented by the cuscus, an opossum-like animal with a prehensile tail. Among the trees are the oak, teak, cedar, upas, bamboo, etc.
Traditionally, the maritime districts were inhabited by Malays; the Peninsula of Macassar being occupied by Bugis and Macassars. Mandhars dwelt in the west of the island, and the mountainous regions in the interior, especially in the north were inhabited by Alfoories. The three great languages of the island, not reckoning the dialects of the indigenous tribes, are those of the Bugis, the Macassars, and the Mandhars. The ancient Bugi is the language of science and religion. The Bugis have a considerable body of literature.
Sulawesi was first visited by the Portuguese in 1512, but no factory was established by them there until a few years later. In 1660 Macassar was taken by the Dutch, the southern portion of the island put under Dutch rule, and the Portuguese expelled. In 1683 the northern part likewise fell into their hands. The island was conquered by the British in 1811, but a few years later it was again given up to the Dutch, in whose possession remained until the 20th century. Research Sulawesi
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Hyrax
