THE STRIPED HY^NA 

 Hyaena hyaena, Linn. 



Somali name, Didthir^ Whera 



DESCRIPTION. The general colour of the striped hyaena varies 

 from a brownish grey to a dark grey, according to age the former 

 being peculiar to the older animals. The body and legs are 

 covered with transverse markings of brown or black. It stands 

 several inches higher at the shoulders than 'the quarters, and 

 possesses a mane and crest of long shaggy hair. The chin and 

 throat are black. The Somalis say there are two distinct species 

 of this animal, namely " Didthir " and " Whera," but the latter is, 

 I think, the older individual, of the same species, which has become 

 more destructive in its habits. "Whera" are always paler in 

 colour and more often mangy. 



MEASUREMENTS in the flesh of 

 (i) "Didthir." 



Head and body '. 42 in. 



Tail . . . ... . . 12 



Height at shoulder ..... 28J 



quarters . . 25 \ 



(ii) "Whera." 



Head and body . . . . . -43 in. 



Tail . . . . . . . .11 



Height at shoulder . . , . .' 30 



Round body . . . . . .28 



Weight. . . . . . . . 73 Ib 



DISTRIBUTION. The striped hyaena, though considerably 

 rarer than the spotted variety, is found throughout Somaliland, 



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