THE WARTHOG 

 Phaooohoerus sethiopious, Cuvier. 



Somali name, Dofar 



Description. — The warthog is the most hideous and repulsive- 

 looking of all the Somaliland mammals. The most distinctive 

 features about him are the presence of three warts or protuberances 

 on each side of the face, a long mane or crest along the back, 

 and a pair of formidable-looking tusks. The female has only 

 two pairs of warts. 



Measurements: 



Head and body .... 



Tail 



Height at shoulder .... 



Distribution. — The warthog is common in well-wooded 

 country not far from water. All along the Golis foothills and in 

 the country immediately north of the range, especially along 

 the watercourses and in and around the valleys near Wagar Mt., 

 they are very common. 



Habits. — Although frequently found singly or in couples, the 

 warthog is usually seen in company of a female and about half 

 a dozen half-grown individuals. They live entirely on roots of 

 grasses and bulbs. They sleep during the heat of the day under 

 bushes, repairing to water about sundown and feeding at night. 

 They are easy to bag, and even when wounded never attempt 

 to attack their assailant. When disturbed during the day they 

 trot off in single file with tails erect, and if left alone for a few 

 minutes soon settle down in the shade again. 



lOO 



