Sri Lankan Jackal - Canis aureus naria (Endemic)

Sri Lankan Jackal is a subspecies of Golden Jackal native to Sri Lanka. It Occurs all of Sri Lanka. It is classed by the IUCN as "Least Concern" due to its widespread range in areas with optimum food and shelter. Sri Lankan Jackal is highly adaptable, being able to feed many foodstuffs.

Sri Lankan Jackal is at about 67 -74 centimeters in length and 5.8 to 6 kg in weight. The winter coat is shorter and smoother ( compared to Indian Jackal). The coat is darker on the back, being black and speckled with white.

Sri Lankan jackal rarely hunts in groups. Sri Lankan Jackal family includes 8-12 jackals. Sri Lankan Jackal is known to kill animals up to three times it's own weight. Upon capturing large pray, the Sri Lankan jackal makes no attempt to kill its pray, but rips open its belly and eats the entrails. Small pray is typically killed by shaking, though snakes may be eaten alive from the tail end.

Captured in Kumana & Yala National Park.