HIPPOPOTAMUS 

 Hippopotamus amphibius, Linn. 



Somali name, Hawas asAJehas 

 Description. — This great pachyderm requires no description. 



Measurements. — The river specimens are almost invariably 

 smaller than those in the larger lakes, and are possibly a distinct 

 species. 



Distribution. — Found in numbers in certain deep pools 

 along the Webi, Webi Shebeleh, and Juba rivers. 



Habits. — Sleeps in the river during the day and feeds all 

 night on the banks, travelling often many miles to some favourite 

 grazing ground, but always returning before the dawn. In early 

 morning when enjoying a bath he keeps rising frequently to the 

 surface of the water, giving vent to a great booming noise which 

 may be heard some distance from his haunts. 



99 



