Shpakralny jackal [1] ( lat. Canis mesomelas ) - one of the species of the genus wolves .
| Black jackal |
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| Scientific classification |
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| No rank : | Bilateral symmetrical |
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| International scientific name |
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Canis mesomelas Schreber , 1775 |
| Area |
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| Security status |
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Least ConcernedIUCN 3.1 Least Concern : 3755 |
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The black jackal is reddish-gray in color, but on the back of the individual the dark hair forms a kind of black shabrack , stretching to the tail. This shabrack is a distinctive species trait that all subspecies of the black jackal possess. Individuals of this species are much smaller than an ordinary gray wolf and lower than its growth. Body length - 75-81 cm , tail length - about 30 cm, height at withers - 50 cm; weight - up to 13 kg . Like other wild dogs, black-headed jackal has erect ears.
It is found in southern Africa and on its eastern coast from Nubia to Cape of Good Hope .
This jackal is very trusting, easily gets used to people and can even become almost tame.
The fur of the black jackal is thick and soft, in South Africa, fur carpets (the so-called caross ) are sewn from the skins ( canine ) of the black jackal.