Facts About the Black-Backed Jackal

Physical Characteristics

• These jackals take their name from the broad black stripe across their backs, which contrasts with russet fur on the sides and white bellies. Males tend to have slightly brighter colors than females. At about 3 feet in length, black-backed jackals are roughly the size of a domestic dog. Their large ears are an adaptation often seen in desert animals. The large surface area helps to dissipate excess heat.

Diet

• Jackals are primarily carnivorous. They obtain food both by hunting and by scavenging. Individual jackals can take down small prey, such as rabbits, and groups often work together to hunt larger animals, such as antelopes. Jackals are not adverse to carrion or scraps in human garbage. In some places, they obtain most of their food from scavenging. They also sometimes eat plant food items, such as fruit.

Distribution and Habitat

• The black-backed jackal inhabits two geographically separate regions of Africa, one in the south and the other on the east coast. The two populations are separated by more than 500 miles and no breeding takes place between the two, although there are not enough differences for them to be considered distinct subspecies. Black-backed jackals prefer open habitat, rather than dense vegetation, but aside from this they are adaptable. The species lives in desert regions, grasslands, savanna, scrub land, farmland and even the suburbs of cities.

Behavior

• Black-backed jackals are monogamous and one mated pair leads a small pack, which consists of their offspring. Juveniles usually leave their pack when they are about a year old. Packs sometimes join together in larger groups for hunting.

Relationship With Humans

• Jackals have often benefited from human activity. Their adaptability has led to the animals moving into the outskirts of cities, where, like urban foxes, much of their food comes from scavenged garbage. They also thrive in agricultural areas, where they can be a threat to livestock, especially chickens and lambs. Jackals are not usually a threat to adult humans, unless the animal is carrying rabies. People do persecute the jackals, especially in farming areas. Jackals are also sometimes hunted for their parts for traditional medicine, skins or meat. However, hunting has had no noticeable effect on their populations, which are stable.