May 1897. East African Collection of Mammals — Elliot. 151 



a match for this jackall. It seemed to be constantly on the move, 

 going along in the quick, slouching trot so characteristic of this 

 class of animals, and only breaking into a canter when alarmed. 

 It follows the hyaenas and helps them dispose of any carcase lying 

 about, and sits at a respectable distance from the lion when 

 engaged with his prey in hopes of obtaining some scraps left by 

 the Lord of the jungle from his feast. The jackall is keen of 

 scent, and quickly discovers the presence of any flesh in his 

 vicinity, and loses no time in getting to it. Its voice is often 

 heard in a long drawn, plaintive howl, especially at night, when 

 it finds courage in the darkness to draw near the camp and ser- 

 enade its inmates, excited by the smell of meat to this effort of 

 questionable melody and song. This species may catch small 

 animals, possibly does, and also various species of jungle fowl, 

 although I have no proof of this, but as it is constantly hunting" 

 for something to eat, I doubt if it passes any living thing of 

 which it is capable of making a meal. When captured alive it 

 shrinks from anyone who approaches, and in only a few instances 

 have I seen it assume the aggressive and attempt to bite. When 

 taken in a trap it generally lies quiet, and it was the exception 

 when one struggled to free itself. With the hj'aenas and vultures, 

 the jackall is a humble assistant in the necessary duties of a 

 scavenger, and helps to remove all fleshy material from remaining 

 exposed to the baneful effects of the sun. 



Canis mesomelas (Schreb). 



Canis mesomelas. Black-Backed Jackall. Native name Dowdo. 



a. 9 ad. South of Toyo Plain. 



b. $ ad. Adadleh. 



c. $ ad. Marodijeh. 

 /. 9 ad. Marodijeh. 



We did not meet with this species until we were south of the 

 Golis Range, and from there, during the remainder of our journey, 

 it was frequently encountered. Its habits are the same as those 

 of the common jackall, but I don't remember ever to have seen 

 the two species consorting together. It is a much handsomer 

 animal than its relative, the dark back contrasting finely with the 

 color of the flanks. I have seen as many as four together in the 

 early morning trotting along, evidently returning to their dens 

 after a night's foray, but, as a rule, like the preceding species, 

 they are solitary in their habits, and it is not often that more than 

 one is met with at a time. The peculiar markings of this jackall 

 make it very conspicuous, and it was not difficult to distinguish 



