WILDLIFE SOUTH AFRICA |
| BLACK-BACKED JACKAL |
Latin Name: Canis
mesomelas Afrikaans: Rooijakkals |
 |
Distribution in South
Africa: |
Widely distributed throughout South Africa |
Habitat: |
Black- backed Jackals occur in most habitats from desert to mountains and prefer drier areas while they tend to avoid marshy areas and wetlands. |
| Habits: |
They live in pairs that form long term bonds and establish territories, but more often than not scavenge and hunt alone. They are known for their cunning and also adaptability. |
Day or night: |
Although they are at times also active during the day, they mostly rest up in holes dug by other species such as ant bears (aardvark), as well as other shelters like rock crevices, under bushes etc. They are very active at night and are often seen at dusk and dawn. In areas where they are protected they are also active on cool overcast days, but in areas where they are persecuted by man they tend to be shy and hide away. |
| Difference between male and female: |
Males are larger than females. |
Mass: |
Male: 6 to 11 kg. Female: 5 to 10 kg |
| Lifespan: |
Can be up to 13 years |
| Breeding: |
Mating takes place during the winter months. Between 1 and 6, but sometimes (although very seldom) up to 9 or 10 cubs, are born from July to November depending on the region, area and rains. |
Gestation: |
About 2 months |
| Diet - Food and water: |
They are hunters and scavengers with a very acute sense of smell. Their diet consists of a wide range of food including small antelope, hares, reptiles, rodents, insects, birds and eggs. Some types of wild fruit and berries that have fallen to the ground are also eaten. Domesticated sheep (lambs) and young goats are often killed by them as well as chickens. They also scavenge for carrion. Because of their adaptability, Black-back Jackals are not really water dependent, but will drink water on a regular basis if available. |
| Enemies: |
Mainly Lions, but Leopards, Hyena, Cheetah and other Jackal will often kill their cubs if found. Eagles also sometimes take young jackals and pythons are also a danger to jackals. Humans are most probably their greatest enemy. |
Status: |
They still occur in large numbers throughout South Africa, except in many farming areas, where they are considered as pests. However they are safe from persecution in wildlife and nature reserves, as well as in National Parks. |
| Interesting facts: |
The haunting call of the Black–backed Jackal is part
of the wonderful array of sounds to be heard in the African bush at
night and is one of the typical night sounds of especially wilderness
areas. Due to stock losses (chicken, lamb and small goats), many farmers have no love at all for this animal and in some areas they have eradicated them with poison, gin traps and by hunting them, especially with dogs. |