Il6 THE MAMMALS OF SOMALILAND 



where there are old habitations, such as " coffee shops," * they 

 are met with in large numbers and are exceedingly tame, 

 coming within a few feet of one. When startled they run 

 for the nearest cover ; they travel fast with their tail down and 

 extended, but as soon as they come to a stop the tail is raised up 

 over the back and they sit up on their haunches just outside their 

 holes to make certain if there is any real danger before disappear- 

 ing. They live entirely on roots, together with rice and " jowari " 

 when it is to be found near at hand. They breed during March 

 and April. The Somali name " Dabagalleh " means " the possessor 

 of a tail like a sheath or scabbard." 



* Which are found at frequent intervals along all the main caravan routes 

 as they converge towards Berbera. 



