THE SPOTTED HY.^NA 



Hyasna crocuta, Erxl. 



Somali name, Waraba 



Description. — The general colour of the spotted hysena varies 

 considerably with the age of the individual. When young, they 

 are of a tawny red colour ; but as they grow older the fur gets 

 darker and loses its reddish colour. Standing higher in front 

 than behind, with massive jaws, neck and shoulders, he is at all 

 times a hideous beast, and, notwithstanding his undoubted strength, 

 is a great coward. 



Measurements of an adult male shot at upper Sheikh : 



Length of head and body . . . , . 51 in. 



„ tail . 

 Height at shoulder 

 Round body 



„ arm 

 „ forearm 

 „ neck 



Length of ear 



Weight 



I of 



3ii » 

 34 „ 



^ „ 

 19 „ 



4f » 

 IIS lb. 



Distribution, — The spotted hyaena is plentiful everywhere in 

 Somaliland, from the maritime plain to the higher internal 

 plateaux. 



Habits. — Nocturnal in its habits, it only leaves its cave high 

 up on the hillside towards sundown, and makes its way slowly 

 down on to the plains in quest of carrion. In thick bush country it 

 lies up during the heat of day under the shade of the thickest 

 bush it can select. It usually travels at a slow trot, stopping every 



4* 



