Black-backed Jackal
Canis mesomelasconservation status Least Concern
Weight: 6-14kg (14-32lb)
Shoulder height: 40-50cm (1ft 4in -1ft 8in)
Lenght: 70-80cm (2ft 4in - 2ft 8in) + tail 30-35cm (12 - 14in)
Wild population:
Lifespan: 10 years
Gestation: 2 months, 2-6 pups
Voice: a distinctive, high-pitched, yelping bark
Identification fox-like in appearance, silver-black fur running from the back of the neck to the base of the tail, black tip to its tail
Range: Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Somalia, SA, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe
Habitat: savanna, open plains, light woodland and semi-desert
Protecting organisations:
The Black-backed Jackal usually lives together in pairs that last for life, but often hunts in packs to catch larger prey such as smaller antelopes. It is very territorial; each pair dominates a permanent territory. It is mainly nocturnal, but sometimes comes out in the day.
It is a versatile feeder, and will alter its diet according to availability or interspecific competition. It typically feeds on small to medium sized mammals , reptiles and birds. It will also scavenge on carrion and human refuse. Other food items include invertebrates, plants, fish, seals and beached marine mammals.
