Explore intriguing details, captivating imagery, immersive videos, and comprehensive knowledge about the black-backed jackal—a remarkable and resourceful creature belonging to the canine clan, known for its intelligence and adaptability.
Black-backed Facts At A Glance
Known by various names such as the Silver-backed jackal, saddle-backed jackal, grey jackal, and red jackal, the Lupulella mesomelas is a mammal belonging to the Canidae family. It is primarily found in the regions of eastern and southern Africa. With a length ranging from 67.3 to 81.2cm (26.5 to 32.0 inches) and a shoulder height of 38 to 48cm (15 to 19 inches), these jackals weigh between 6 to 13kg (13 to 29 pounds). In terms of conservation, they are currently classified as a species of least concern.
Other Interesting Black-Backed Jackal Facts
The black-backed jackal, typically living around 7 years in its natural habitat, enjoys a longer lifespan when kept in captivity, reaching double its wild expectancy. These remarkable creatures can be found in two distinct regions: southern Africa and East Africa. The populations of black-backed jackals in these areas are geographically separated by approximately 560 miles (900 km).
Meet The Black-backed Jackal: Introduction
The African canid known as the black-backed jackal has maintained its essence throughout time, with minimal changes since the conclusion of the Pleistocene Epoch around 11,700 years ago.
This species owes its triumph primarily to its remarkable adaptability. As a versatile creature, the black-backed jackal is not dependent on a specific food source or habitat, making it a generalist capable of thriving in various environments.
What Does The Black-backed Jackal Look Like?
The black-backed jackal is a canid of medium size, characterized by its sleek physique, elongated limbs, and a lengthy, voluminous tail. Its snout is pointed, complemented by prominent, erect ears.
With a reddish-brown hue as its primary color, the black-backed jackal features a striking black and silver fur patch that stretches from its neck and shoulders to the tail’s base. This distinct dark marking resembling a ‘saddle’ is responsible for the species’ name in English.
The jackal’s tail boasts a deep black shade, while its chest, throat, underbelly, and inner legs exhibit a pale gray or white tone.
Black-Backed Jackal Video
Observe the captivating footage provided underneath, showcasing the graceful presence of a black-backed jackal encountered during an enthralling safari expedition in the picturesque lands of South Africa.
The first is known as the Cape jackal, scientifically identified as Lupulella mesomelas mesomelas. These fascinating creatures can be spotted across various countries in southern Africa.
The second subspecies is called the East African jackal, scientifically referred to as Lupulella mesomelas schmidti. These remarkable animals can be found in the regions of East Africa. What sets them apart from their southern counterparts is their slightly shorter and wider skull. In fact, experts with keen eyes can also differentiate between the two subspecies by observing subtle variations in the size and length of their teeth.
Distribution
There exist two distinct groups of black-backed jackals. The first group, known as the Cape jackal subspecies, inhabits various countries in Southern Africa such as South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
The second group, called the East African jackal, can be found in several countries in East Africa including Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.
These two populations are geographically separated by a distance of approximately 900 kilometers.
Unfortunately, as an AI text-based model, I am unable to directly interact with or view external content like maps. However, you can easily locate these countries on an online map or atlas for a visual representation of their locations.
The range of the black-backed jackal closely resembles that of other African mammals specialized for arid environments, like the bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) and the aardwolf (Proteles cristatus).
Habitat
The black-backed jackal possesses the remarkable ability to withstand dry and arid environments by means of its adaptable kidneys that can handle limited water intake. This species can be found not only in deserts but also in various other habitats such as open savannahs, grasslands, coastal deserts, open woodlands, alpine areas, and farmland.
Preferably, the black-backed jackal thrives in open areas and tends to steer clear of densely vegetated regions, likely due to a heightened risk of predation.
When black-backed jackals and side-striped jackals come across each other, it is typically the side-striped jackal that is displaced from the area, despite being the larger of the two species.
Black-backed jackals have been observed at a wide range of elevations, spanning from sea level to altitudes exceeding 3,000m (9,842ft).
Family Life
The black-backed jackal is typically found living in pairs or small family groups consisting of a bonded pair and their offspring. Within these groups, a clear hierarchy exists, with the breeding pair holding the highest status. The mated pairs form strong bonds and often remain together for their entire lives.
Mating season for black-backed jackals occurs between late May and August. After a gestation period of approximately 60 to 65 days, the female gives birth to a litter of 1 to 9 pups in an underground burrow. This typically happens sometime between July and October.
During the first 8 to 10 days, the newborn pups are blind and rely on their mother’s care within the den. The father and older siblings who are still present in the group assist in providing food for the mother and her cubs. After three weeks, the pups begin to venture outside the den, taking their initial exploratory steps.
Around 8 to 9 weeks of age, the pups are weaned from their mother’s milk. They are then nourished through regurgitated food until they are ready to hunt on their own, which usually occurs around 6 months of age.
By the time a year has passed, some of the pups leave the family group to establish their own territories, while others choose to remain and assist their parents in raising the next generation. These non-breeding members contribute to the family by helping with feeding, grooming, and engaging in playtime with the younger pups.
Communication
The black-backed jackal possesses a sophisticated method of communication involving scent marking, vocalizations, and body language.
This species is known for its vocal nature, with various cries being particularly common in the late afternoon and evening, as well as during the peak mating season from June to July.
Their vocal signals encompass a range of sounds such as yelping, yelling, whining, growling, woofing, and cackling. These vocalizations serve the purpose of communicating within their family group and deterring potential intruders.
In the presence of the African golden wolf (Canis anthus), which has a similar howl to that of the black-backed jackal, the latter relies more heavily on yelping rather than howling.
Furthermore, mated pairs of black-backed jackals mark the boundaries of their territory by using urine and droppings.
What Do Black-backed Jackals Eat?
The black-backed jackal is a resourceful omnivore with a versatile palate, devouring nearly anything it encounters. It assumes the roles of both predator and scavenger, and cleverly hoards excess food in hidden reserves.
In comparison to other jackal species, the black-backed jackal possesses teeth that are more suited for a carnivorous diet. It preys upon a wide array of creatures, ranging from tiny invertebrates like beetles and termites to reptiles, birds, and mammals of various sizes. In coastal regions, it also indulges in feasting on mussels and fish.
Typically, the black-backed jackal searches for food either alone or with a partner. When pursuing small prey, it stealthily stalks its target without making a sound. Once within striking distance, the jackal lunges forward in a manner reminiscent of a dog, with its body curved and its front paws tucked near its snout.
In some instances, jackals employ cooperative hunting strategies to tackle larger prey like antelopes. They collaborate by targeting a vulnerable individual, repeatedly biting its legs, loins, and throat. This relentless assault persists until the prey becomes exhausted, enabling the pack to bring it down.
Furthermore, the black-backed jackal supplements its diet with fruit, berries, bird eggs, carrion, and occasionally even scavenges human waste.
Predators
African golden wolves, honey badgers, brown hyenas, and spotted hyenas have their eyes on the black-backed jackal pups, making them potential targets. However, when black-backed jackals reach adulthood, they face a different set of threats. Leopards, caracals, martial eagles, and African wild dogs pose a danger to these fully grown jackals.
Is The Black-backed Jackal Endangered?
The IUCN classifies the black-backed jackal as being of “Least Concern” status. These creatures can be found in various regions and their population appears to be largely unaffected by human activities. Despite being actively targeted and eliminated due to their predation on livestock and potential rabies transmission, the overall impact on their numbers seems minimal.