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Somalia?

Discussion in 'Somalia' started by Simon Hampel, 20 Apr 2019.

  1. Simon Hampel

    Simon Hampel Administrator Staff Member 20+ year member

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    Anyone actually been to Somalia?

    Given the instability of the region, I wouldn't be surprised if the answer is no. Unfortunately when a region is ravaged by war and unrest, the local wildlife often suffers.

    Wikipedia does indicate that there are some national parks and wildlife refuges either already existing, or in the process of being created.

    We only have a single photo in the galleries - of a bird taken from Somalia to Europe.

     
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  2. Pleistohorse

    Pleistohorse Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    I was there in the early 1990’s. I was not much into birding at that point in my life, so I cannot recall which ones I may have seen. For mammals I was able to observe the following:

    1. A Ground Squirrel species.
    2. Pariah Dog (multiple animals which appeared feral)
    3. Slender-tailed Mongoose
    4. Somali Hedgehog
    5. African Civet. This one was pretty exciting as I observed the animal foraging along a beach late at night. One of my favorite animal sighting experiences ever.
     
  3. Arizona Docent

    Arizona Docent Well-Known Member 15+ year member

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    @Pleistohorse That is impressive (that you have been there). I had no idea.
     
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  4. lintworm

    lintworm Well-Known Member 15+ year member

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    Somaliland is actually relatively safe to visit and though it has functioned as an independent country from Somalia it is hardly being recognized. Wildlifewise it would be very interesting with Speke's gazelle and others, but as infrastructure is pretty much absent you'ld have to join a tour....
    .
     
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  5. FBBird

    FBBird Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    The Bulo Burti Bush-shrike turned out to be a colour morph of a known species
     
  6. TeaLovingDave

    TeaLovingDave Moderator Staff Member 10+ year member

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    Which species, out of curiosity?
     
  7. Chlidonias

    Chlidonias Moderator Staff Member 15+ year member

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    Says it in the photo comments...
     
  8. TeaLovingDave

    TeaLovingDave Moderator Staff Member 10+ year member

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    Ah yes :) will possibly be handy if I eventually deal with bushshrikes and allies in a photo thread.