Canis mesomelas

The Black Backed Jackal is native to Africa. This jackal gets its name from the black hair running from the back of the neck to the tail The chest is white. The under parts are white to rusty-white. The body ranges in reddish brown to ginger in color. Adults stand about 38cm at the shoulder and are nearly a meter long in length. The head has a pointed muzzle and high pointed ears. There is no sexual dimorphism. These jackals are more common in dry areas with annual rainfall. They live in open terrain. These jackals are both hunters and scavengers.