16 THE SOCIETY EOR THE PRESERVATION OF 



SOMALILAND. 



We have examined the question of the position and areas 

 covered by the two Reserves. Mr. Gillett, a member of this 

 Society, familiar with the regions in question, has prepared a 

 plan and memorandum with regard to the habitat of certain lesser 

 antelopes in danger of extinction. This is sent herewith. 



The small reserve called the ' Hill Reserve ' is in some 

 respects the most important, because upon, it depends the pre- 

 servation of the greater kudu, which is perhaps in greater danger 

 than any other animal of extinction in this Protectorate. Being 

 the most distinguished of all the antelopes, with very restricted 

 habitats and the bulls keenly sought by all sportsmen, it is 

 deserving of special protection, and we suggest for the considera- 

 tion of the Colonial Secretary whether this Reserve might not 

 be extended or another small one set apart in the Gadabursi 

 Mountains, which is one of the habitats of the greater kudu. 



It would appear from p. 1 (5) that ' special licences ' are 

 granted to hunt in these Reserves. We question the wisdom of 

 this, and respectfully ask that the number granted and the quan- 

 tities of game killed under them, especially of the greater kudu, 

 may be stated in the annual returns. 



It is part of the game regulations for this Protectorate that 

 every licensee should keep a register of game killed. It is 

 desirable that this regulation should be strictly observed. 



We have on previous occasions urged the desirability of the 

 prohibition of the sale of horns and skins at Aden, and note with 

 satisfaction Colonel Swayne's letter to the Political Resident at 

 Aden. It would be matter for congratulation if the Colonial 

 Office could come to some arrangement with the India Office on 

 this matter. 



Uganda. 



The report of Commissioner Sadler that the regulations have 

 been well observed by licence-holders, and that throughout the 

 Protectorate there is an earnest desire to respect the game laws, is 

 very gratifying. We hear with pleasure also that the Commis- 

 sioner is not aware of any species which can be said to bo oven 

 remotely threatened with extinction in the Uganda Protectorate. 



As regards shooting in the Reserves we would refer to our 

 remarks on the same subject under the heading of Somaliland. 



Bbitish Centeal Africa. 



We have not received any papers on this Protectorate from the 

 Colonial Secretary, but have examined the brief allusion to the sub- 

 jeot in the last Annual Report, which is satisfactory, also the 

 return of game killed. We have further noticed that an agitation 

 is being pressed by some of the local planters for the abolition of 

 the Elephant Marsh. Reserve near Chiromo, on the ground that 



