JACKAL (Canis aureus), a wolf-like wild member of the dog family inhabiting eastern Europe and southern Asia. The name is also applied to a number of allied species. Jackals re semble wolves and dogs in their dentition, the round eye-pupils, the period of gestation, and to a large extent also in habits. The European species grows to a height of i5in. at the shoulders, and to a length of about 2ft., ex clusive of its bushy tail. The fur is greyish-yellow, darker on the back and lighter beneath. The range of the common jackal extends from Dalmatia to India. In Senegal this species is replaced by C. anthus, while in Egypt oc curs the larger C. lupaster, known as the Egyptian wolf. Nearly allied to the last is the Indian wolf (C. pallipes). Several other African species exist. Jackals are nocturnal, concealing them selves until dusk in jungles and other lurking places, and then sallying forth in packs to visit farmyards, villages, and towns in search of food. This consists for the most part of the smaller
mammals and poultry, although the association in packs enables these marauders to hunt down antelopes and sheep. When unable to obtain living prey, they feed on carrion and refuse of all kinds, and are thus useful in removing putrescent matter from the streets. They also follow lions and tigers in order to finish the carcase after the larger animal has eaten its fill. The cry of the jackal is even more appalling than that of the hyena. Like the fox, it has an offensive odour, due to the secretion of a gland at the base of the tail.