jackal
Sign in to saveJackals are canids native to Africa and Eurasia. While the word has historically been used for many canines of the subtribe canina, in modern use it most commonly refers to three species: the closely related black-backed jackal (Lupulella mesomelas) and side-striped jackal (Lupulella adusta) of Central and Southern Africa, and the golden jackal (Canis aureus) of south-central Europe and Asia. The African golden wolf (Canis lupaster) was also formerly considered a jackal.
AI overview
Jackals are wild canines found across Africa and Eurasia that have historically been referred to by many names, though today the term typically describes three closely related species: the black-backed jackal, side-striped jackal, and golden jackal. They matter as important members of their ecosystems and as subjects of scientific study, particularly given how our understanding of what counts as a "jackal" has evolved over time.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Article
7 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- Taxonomy and relationships
- Species
- Folklore and literature
- References
- Further reading
- External links
Jackals are canids native to Africa and Eurasia. While the word has historically been used for many canines of the subtribe canina, in modern use it most commonly refers to three species: the closely related black-backed jackal (Lupulella mesomelas) and side-striped jackal (Lupulella adusta) of Central and Southern Africa, and the golden jackal (Canis aureus) of south-central Europe and Asia. The African golden wolf (Canis lupaster) was also formerly considered a jackal.
While they do not form a monophyletic clade, all jackals are opportunistic omnivores, predators of small to medium-sized animals and proficient scavengers. Their long legs and curved canine teeth are adapted for hunting small mammals, birds, and reptiles, and their large feet and fused leg bones give them a physique well-suited for long-distance running, capable of maintaining speeds of for extended periods of time. Jackals are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk.