THE SOMALI WILD DOG 

 Lycaon pictns somalious, Thos. 



Somali name, Veyi 



Description. — The Somali wild dog has only lately been 

 given subspecific rank by Mr. Thomas owing to its " smaller size 

 and its excessively sparse and short fur." The general colour is 

 dark, patches of black and yellow. The undersurface is almost 

 naked. The muzzle and centre of crown are black. The fore- 

 limbs are marbled black and white. Hind-limbs buffy yellow 

 above, the feet black and white. Tail not forming a very thick 

 brush, its short-haired yellow base shorter than the black mesial 

 and white terminal portions. The above is Mr. Thomas's descrip- 

 tion of a specimen obtained by Major Dunn, R.A.M.C., at Gorahai 

 on the Tug Fafan in Ogaden. 



Measurements of this specimen, an old female, in the flesh 

 were : 



Head and body 

 Tail 



Hindfoot 

 Ear . 



890 mm. 

 280 „ 



193 » 

 115 » 



Distribution. — The wild dog is very rare in Northern 

 Somaliland, but is frequently seen in the Ogaden country, 

 according to native accounts. Personally I have never seen 

 one. 



Habits. — They are said to invariably go in packs, and when 

 hungry will attack and drive off their kills any of the larger 

 Carnivora. 



SO 



