THE WILD CAT 

 Felis ooreata, Gmel. 



Somali name, Dinad sabad 



Description. — This wild cat is not unlike our tabby cat in 

 appearance, but is much paler. The general colour is grey, with 

 more or less distinct spots and stripes about it. The underfur is 

 ochraceous. 



Measurements of a male specimen in the flesh 



Length of head and body .... 



„ of tail ...... 



Round body ...... 



Height at shoulder ..... 



23 m. 

 I4i ,. 



13 



'2 '» 



Distribution. — I have never seen this cat on Guban, but 

 doubtless it is to be found there. It is found on Ogo Guban and 

 in Ogo, but is by no means common. I have seen it on three 

 occasions at Odweina, lOO miles south of Berbera. 



Habits. — It is very shy, and spends the day hidden away in 

 the dense undergrowth commonly found in the bush country which 

 it invariably inhabits. It preys upon birds, hares, and small 

 mammals, and doubtless occasionally on dik-diks. It is difficult 

 to tame, even when taken young. 



20 



