FRINGE-EARED BEISA 



275 



Head of Fringe-eared Beisa. 



FRINGE-EARED BEISA (Oryx callotis). 



Distinguished from the ordinary beisa by the fringe of long hairs 

 surmounting the ears, by the extension of the eye-stripe to the lower 

 jaw, along which it runs to join the throat-stripe, by the absence of 

 any black on the front of the legs below the knees, and by the rich fawn 

 of the ground-colour of the upper part of the face. Height at shoulder, 

 48 inches. 



Distribution. — East Africa, from Kilimanjaro and the Galla country to 

 Masailand and the adjacent territory, probably not so far north 

 as the Athi plains. Although considered a distinct species, it 

 might perhaps be better to regard this animal as a well-marked 

 local race of the ordinary beisa. It is generally found in bush- 

 covered country, either singly or in small herds, and is of a 

 remarkably shy disposition. The Swahili name is cheroa. 



