Black-Backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas)

Overview
The black-backed jackal is a highly adaptable carnivore found in southern and eastern Africa, including countries like South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Preferring open savannas and woodlands, these agile predators are known for their intelligence, stamina, and opportunistic nature.
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Behaviour & Diet
Black-backed jackals are omnivorous and hunt both day and night. They feed on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects, but also scavenge from larger predators like lions. Their sharp teeth and cooperative hunting tactics—especially during pup-rearing—make them effective foragers. They are also known to cache food by burying it.

Social Life
Jackals are monogamous, forming lifelong pairs that hunt, raise young, and communicate using distinct howls. Parents may form small family packs with their offspring, increasing hunting success and protection.

Clever and resourceful, jackals are a key part of Africa’s ecosystem, thriving by using strategy, speed, and teamwork.