SOMMERRINGS GAZELLE 



J67 



A third race, from Bora Gallaland, is described by Mr. O. Thomas 

 in the Zoological Society's Proceedings for 1904, vol. i. p. 4, as G. s. 

 biitteri. It is smaller than the typical soeinnierringi, with a distinct 

 black band on the front edge of each side of the rump-patch, and a 

 faint trace of a dark flank-band. 



A remarkable abnormality in the 

 curvature of the horns is shown in a head 

 of Sommerring's gazelle from Somaliland 

 belonging to Mr. H. C. Dobbs. The head, 

 which was figured in the Field newspaper 

 for 1907, is that of a fully adult buck, with 

 both horns symmetrically shaped. In place, 

 however, of diverging obliquely outwards 

 for the greater part of their length, and 

 then suddenly bending inwards near their 

 tips in the normal fashion, the horns are 

 distinctly lyre - shaped, with their tips 

 curving outwards. The variation is a 

 striking one, and the general curvature of 

 the horns decidedly handsome. 



The following notes on the habits of 

 this gazelle are from the pen of Mr. D. G. 

 Elliot :— 



" The physical characters of the country 

 do not seem to make any difference to this 

 gazelle, which is found in parts thickly 

 covered with trees and bushes, or on plains 

 entirely destitute of timber ; but if any 



preference is given, I think it is to the plains, for the herds congregated 

 in such localities are much larger than elsewhere, sometimes containing 

 many hundred individuals. The species cannot, however, be deemed 

 a denizen of the plains in the same sense as oryx and hartebeest, with 

 which the aoul is accustomed to associate on most friendly terms. 



" Sommerring's gazelle is not a graceful animal, having a short 

 neck, rather clumsy head, and a heavy body ; its general appearance 

 being very different from that generally associated with the light-footed 

 gazelle. Of its speed there can, however, be no question, as it is very 

 fleet, and when running has the habit of jumping to a considerable 

 height and for long distances, not unlike the springbuck. Naturally 

 this is not a very wild species, nor particularly suspicious, although in 

 districts where it is much hunted it becomes very wary. 



Fig. 55. — Skull and Horns of Som- 

 merring's Gazelle, from a speci- 

 men shot liy Col. V. M. Stockley. 



