Sri Lanka Jackal (''Canis aureus naria'')
See our RP Guide for more extensive information regarding jackals.
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- 1. Common Names
- 2. 'Souls Range
- 3. Appearance
- 4. Citations
1. Common Names
Sri Lankan Jackal, Hindi South Jackal
2. 'Souls Range
The Sri Lankan Jackal (Canis aureus naria), also known as the Southern Indian Jackal is a subspecies of golden jackal native to southern India and Sri Lanka. On the Asian mainland, the Sri Lankan jackal occurs in the whole southern part of the Indian peninsula, from Thana near Bombay in the northwest southwards through the Western Ghats, Mysore, the Eastern Ghats and Mandura. It occurs in all of Sri Lanka.
3. Appearance
Canis aureus naria, from tim_ellis@Flickr
Sri Lankan Jackals typically measure 29 inches (73.6 cm) in length, typically with a 3 inch (7.6 cm) difference between males and females; weight is between 12 - 19 lbs (5.4 kg - 8.6 kg). Animals on the island of Sri Lanka itself are typically slightly larger than mainland jackals.
The coat is also generally darker than the Indian Jackal's, although still with the same comparative vibrancy and well-marked coloration in comparison to the Common Jackal. In winter, the Sri Lankan Jackal's coat does not grow to be as long, rough, or shaggy as the Indian Jackal's. Sri Lankan Jackals are often streaked or speckled with white.
Canis aureus naria, from patrickp211@Flickr
3.1 Other Characteristics
Inhabits most part of the island of Sri Lanka and is called Naria in Sinhala Language, which simply translates to 'Fox' or 'Jackal'. There are no other species of the family Canis a. found in Sri Lanka.
Survival
Like Indian Jackals, these jackals have adapted to humanized lifestyles, and they have benefited greatly from the Luperci virus. It is relatively rare to find a non-Luperci Sri Lankan jackal, as their range does not encompass the Himalayan mountains, and thus there are fewer places for Sri Lankan jackals to find isolation from their fellow canine.
4. Citations