THE BLACK-BACKED JACKAL 



Canis mesomelas, Schreb. 



Somali name, Dawa'o 



Description. — This, the common African jackal, is one of the 

 prettiest of its genus. The general colour on the back is black 

 with spangles of grey hairs ; on the sides the fur is rufous, fading 

 underneath. The head is rufous. The tail, which is usually more 

 bushy than that of other members of the genus, is reddish yellow 

 with the terminal portion nearly black. 



Measurements in the flesh of a male specimen were : 



Head and body 27! in. 



13I ., 



Tail . 

 Height at shoulder 

 Round chest 

 Weight . 



19 

 IS 

 17 



lb. 



Distribution. — This jackal is common all over Somaliland. 



Habits. — Nocturnal in its habits, it is frequently seen an hour 

 or two after sunrise and an hour or two before sunset. It is very 

 tame, and will come when hungry within a few yards of the camp. 

 It seems to be bolder than the other species, and is frequently 

 found following the small goats about, awaiting an opportunity to 

 seize and kill one. On one occasion I was passing a small herd of 

 young goats grazing in the bush, when I heard yells from the 

 women in charge. On my inquiring the reason of their cries, they 

 pointed out one of these jackals, which they told me had been 

 responsible for the death of four kids during the past fortnight. 

 They implored me to shoot him, as he had given them no peace 

 since they came to that locality. He used to follow the herd of 

 kids about all day, awaiting his chance to bag one. 



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