58 THE MAMMALS OF SOMALILAND 



Length from nose to root of tail 



„ of tail 



„ (with terminal hairs) ... 

 Height at shoulder 



Horns : 

 Length on front curve ..... 

 Tip to tip. 

 Circumference ...... 



Distribution : — The Sig is only found on the open plains to 

 the west and south-west of Hargeisa, extending as far south as the 

 Toyo plain, whither he strays during the rains (May-August). In 

 scattered herds I have seen them as far south-west as Gomoleh in 

 the Boran country. 



Habits. — The Sig is easily singled out in the distance from 

 other antelopes on the plains owing to its peculiar shape, lumbering 

 gait when in motion and its almost black appearance. Like other 

 members of the same genus, this hartebeest stands very much 

 higher at the withers than the hind quarters, the latter appearing 

 to fall away. When disturbed he lumbers off in an ungainly way 

 for a hundred yards or so and then stands gazing at the hunter. 

 He keeps on repeating these tactics until a shot is fired, when 

 he may run for miles. The staying power of the hartebeest is 

 remarkable, far exceeding that of the oryx or the other antelopes 

 inhabiting the open plains. 



