148 Field Columbian Museum — Zoology, Vol. i. 



trapped if one understood the exact method, but shooting was- 

 the only available means for us to obtain the animal. This is 

 generally a pretty effective way, if opportunities are favorable, 

 but traps, properly arranged, would undoubtedly have brought 

 us more specimens. It seems to be a scarce species, as yet, ixL 

 collections, and I regret that I could not bring back more exam- 

 ples. 



FAM. HYiENIDiE. 



Hyaena crocuta (Erxl). 



Hyaena crocuta. Spotted Hyaena. Native name Wardba. 



a. 5 Le Gud. 



b. 5 juv. Le Gud. 



c. 5 Marodijeh. 



The Spotted Hyaena was met with everywhere we traveled, 

 except in the Wild Ass country, to the west of Berbera, where 

 its place was taken by the following species. At least that 

 seemed to be the case, as all the Hyaenas we saw or killed there 

 were of the striped species. As we penetrated the country 

 these animals became more numerous, and in parts of Ogaden 

 they fairly swarmed. Males seemed to preponderate, and we 

 did not succeed in getting an old female, although we shot a good 

 many of the beasts. Of all animals, I think the Spotted Hyaena 

 is the most loathsome and repulsive. It is usually covered with 

 scabs and sores, caused either by fighting with each other, or 

 from the impure condition of its blood, or perhaps both, and 

 some individuals were so offensive that it was very disagreeable, 

 not only to go near them, but even to stand to leeward of their 

 carcases. 



This Hj'aena is exceedingly cowardly, and does its best to save 

 its malodorous body from getting into any danger, but it is a great 

 sneak and woe betide any unfortunate native it comes upon 

 sleeping at night, for with one snap of its powerful jaws it will 

 carry away the whole face of its victim, this being the place 

 usually attacked. Donkeys, sheep, etc., are usually seized by the 

 belly from behind, and the bowels torn out. The power of a 

 Hyaena's jaw is tremendous, and with a single snap they are able 

 to inflict dreadful wounds, while their appetites are boundless,- 

 and they are always asking for more. In the role of scavengers 

 these animals with the vultures perform a most useful and 

 necessary service in removing all carrion and offal from the 

 ground, and birds and beasts often have a race as to which shall 



