THE LEOPARD 

 Felis pardus, Linn. 



Somali name, Shebel or Shebeyl 



DESCRIPTION. The general or ground colour of tawny yellow 

 somewhat varies depending on the fact whether the specimen 

 comes from Cuban or the Golis Range, the latter being somewhat 

 darker in colour while the fur is rather thicker. The whole body 

 is covered with black spots and black rings, the latter being chiefly 

 on the back and sides. Underneath, the colour fades to white. 

 The tail, which is long, is of the general body colour and ringed 

 with black, and furnished at the extreme end with a white tip. 

 The ears posteriorly are black at the bases. 



MEASUREMENTS in the flesh of two females, one specimen from 

 Cuban, the other from the Golis Range, and a male specimen 

 from the Golis were as follows : 



Hill variety. Plain variety. Hill variety. 



? ? o* 



Length of head and body . 39 \ in. 41 J in. 48 in. 



tail . . . 29 28J 31 



Height at shoulder . . 26 22 26^ 



Round chest . . . 22\ 19 24! 



Weight .... not taken not taken 77 Ib. 



From the above measurements it will be seen that both the 

 specimens shot on the Golis Range stand higher at the shoulder 

 and have a greater chest measurement. The largest specimen 

 seen and measured by me, unfortunately after it had been skinned, 

 was shot near Hargeisa by Mr. Thompson. This skin measured 

 8 ft. 8 in., and from its general appearance did not appear to be 



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