437 Jackal (Black Backed) Family: CANIDAE Genus species: (Canis mesomelas) Serial numbers: In Southwest Africa I collected six Black Backed Jackal. At my Compan Epibenstein's farm 12 miles east of Landerbok, this jackal was in great abundance. During the day I have seen them hiding behind Buggles to get out of the sun. They will start hunting late in the afternoon when the heat of the sun has subsided. As soon as the sun has gone down the jackals would come near my camp and set up a chorus of yaps and discordant song for hours. This would continue for several minutes. Then I would hear them move the rest of the night. Often the jackals would be answered by other jackals at scattered points. It is very difficult to trap them. They will usually steal the bait. I have cought them by placing 7 traps Closely around the spot and concealing the traps in sand and grass. I also secured the bait with a steel wire. After several days when the my Agent had gone from the traps I caught the jackal. It is difficult to approach them during the day. At night I have come fairly close with the aid of a head lamp, but never quite close enough to kill them with a shot gun shell.