Black-backed Jackal

The Black-backed Jackal, or Silver-backed Jackal as it is known in places, is one of the hardiest creatures of Africa, surviving in a wide range of habitats from arid desert to Delta.

 

One of Africa's most amazing sounds is the call of the Black-backed Jackal, usually shattering the air around sunset. Referred to as the Cry of the Kalahari, the call carries across the wilderness, and often a chorus breaks out when other males join in.

 

The Black-backed Jackal is an opportunistic feeder, often seen around carcasses and kills, and is often observed slipping in and stealing a morsel from a lion kill while the pride is still eating. Although small in comparison to other predators, the Black-backed Jackal is known to stand its ground against other predators such as hyena and leopard.

 

Compared to other members of the genus Canis, the black-backed jackal is a very ancient species, and has changed little since the Pleistocene, being the most basal wolf-like canine, alongside the closely related side-striped jackal. It is a fox-like animal with a reddish coat and a black saddle that extends from the shoulders to the base of the tail. It is a monogamous animal, whose young may remain with the family to help raise new generations of pups. The black-backed jackal is not a fussy eater, and feeds on small to medium-sized animals, as well as plant matter and human refuse.

 

A jackal was once observed killing an adult mountain reedbuck on Moloto Route in Pilanesberg National Park.

 

 

Tshepe Drive

Pilanesberg National Park

South Africa

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