jackal

Any of several wild dogs found in South Asia, southern Europe, and North Africa. Jackals can grow to 80 cm/2.7 ft long, and have greyish-brown fur and a bushy tail. (Genus Canis.)

The golden jackal (C. aureus) of South Asia, southern Europe, and North Africa is 45 cm/1.5 ft high and 60 cm/2 ft long. It is greyish-yellow, and darker on the back. A nocturnal animal, it preys on smaller mammals and poultry, although packs will attack larger animals; it will also scavenge. The side-striped jackal (C. adustus) is found over much of Africa; the black-backed jackal (C. mesomelas) occurs only in the south of Africa.