WATERBUCK 

 Cobus defassa 



Somali name, Balengo 



Description. — The waterbuck is similar to those found on the 

 other rivers in Abyssinia and East Africa. Grey-brown, with a 

 shaggy coat all over, this handsoine antelope possesses a distinctive 

 white patch behind on each rump. The colouring of the legs varies 

 greatly, from a pale brown to nearly black. 



Measurements. — I have been unable to get the measure- 

 ments of a specimen shot in Somaliland. 



Distribution. — Only found, as its name signifies, in the 

 vicinity of water — hence rare in the Somali country. It is, 

 however, common on the Webi, Shebeleh, the Web and the Juba 

 rivers. 



Habits. — During the day the waterbuck seeks the shade of the 

 dense bush bordering the rivers, but strays miles from the river- 

 banks during the night, returning as a rule at grey dawn. When 

 the grass is green it often does not return to the rivers for days. 



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