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Other smaller, mammals are present in Volcanoes National Park, but are almost never seen by visitors, most are nocturnal and all know better than any body how to remain out of sight.

The three hyrax is probably the most surprising animal in the forest, this small mammal the size of a marmot spends a good part of its life in the trees, where it feeds on leaves. It is mostly active at night and hides during the day. The hyrax’s blood-curding nocturnal screeching is frequent heard in the depths of the forest. Another herbivorous species is the African porcupine, the spines of  which sometimes be found on the trails. The African hare is sometimes spotted in cultivated fields near the national park, it is probably present in the forest as well.

Genet cats (servaline Genet cat) and mongooses (slender mongoose) are common. Mongooses remains more on the forest floor. Both are very active small predators. The civet cat, somehow larger in size, is present in the park as well, but information is lucking about this nocturnal predator.

Squirrels are probably the small mammals that visitors have most chances of observing, as they are normally active at day time. They move acrobatically  from branch to branch and from tree to tree. Two species of forest squirrels are present in the Volcanoes National Park.

The largest carnivores species known in the park is the spotted hyena. Its  droppings testify of its presence but the animal itself is rarely encountered. Droppings have been found up to the summit of Mt. Visoke. It is not yet known whether the hyena is mostly a scavenger in the park or if it actually and actively hunts its own preys.

A study recently conducted by Karisoke Research Centre concluded to the presence of about 10 Rodent and shrew species. The biggest rodent present in the Volcanoes National Park is the cane (Gambia)

Rat: males can reach up to 50cm (tail not included)