black-backed jackal
Quick Summary
The black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) is a common South African jackal known for its dark dorsal saddle mark. It is one of four species of jackals, which are wolflike carnivores belonging to the dog genus Canis.12
These mammals typically grow to about 34–37 inches in length, including a 12–14 inch tail, and weigh between 15–24 pounds. The black-backed jackal is rusty red with a distinctive black back. They inhabit open country and are nocturnal, hunting at dusk. Jackals live alone, in pairs, or in packs, feeding on small animals, plants, and carrion. They are also known to follow larger predators to scavenge carcasses.2
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