FIELD GUIDE: MAMMALS

BLACK BACKED JACKAL

 Scientific name: Canis adustus

 Order: Carnivora

Family: Canidae

Phylum: Chordata

Genus: Canis

Kingdom: Animalia

 Vulnerability: Least concern

The Black-backed jackal is a canid species with long and thin body. Females are a bit smaller and lighter in weight. The head of jackal is dog-like with pointed ears and muzzle. On its back, the jackal has a long dark saddle, stretching from the nape of its neck to the base of its tail. The saddle narrows from shoulders to the base of the tail. These jackals have bushy tails, which are black in color.

Their limbs and flanks are reddish. The under parts, lips and chest are white (though, sometimes the under parts are rusty color). The head, ears, back and basal third of the tail are deep russet-red in color with darker top of the muzzle and thighs.