Hunch-Backed Jackal

The hunch-backed jackal (Megrursucanis arctotherius), also known as the short-faced jackal, the bear jackal, the giant jackal, the ripper jackal, or the hunch-backed dog, is a species of carnivorous mammal part of the canine family, with its closest living relative being the raccoon dogs, despite its name. They are named for their hunched over backs, which is similar to the hyenas', leading to people mistaking them for hyenas. the largest members of the canine family in modern times, growing to about the size of an American black bear on average, although in historic times, they may have grown slightly bigger. They are unusual among the canines that they have opposable thumbs much like primates and dylanusids, not just claws, in order to grip better onto their prey and for climbing, in a manner similar to black bears. They are native to the forests and swamps of Arabia, parts of Asia (including India), and they mainly predators of deer, wild pigs, antelopes, camelids, tapirs, chalicotheres, and monkeys, although they do feed on carrion, sometimes they have been observed scaring off predators to steal kills. The conservation status of the hunch-backed jackals is Vulnerable due to habitat loss, poaching, and being shot down by farmers who protect their domestic livestocks. However, the conservationists are trying to protect this species from the brink of extinction, breeding them in captivity before releasing them back to the wild, and build protective barriers around farms to protect both hunch-backed jackals and the farmers' livestocks.