Black Backed Jackal

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Jackals are one of the 12 members of the canid family found in Africa, a group that includes foxes and wild dogs. The black-backed jackal, (Canis meseomelas) has a dark back, yellowish sides, and a bushy, black-tipped tail. It is similar to the fox in appearance and is often seen in areas where large carnivores and predators are abundant. Black-backed Jackals are about 20 inches (50 cm) tall at the shoulder and weigh 15 to 30 lbs (6-13 kg). They prefer open savannah and grassland terrain.

   
 
Black-backed jackals are found in eastern and southern Africa.




Jackals are omnivores. Black-backed jackals eat carrion and species that other animals have killed. They also prey on small antelopes, birds, and reptiles, and forage on fruits and berries.




Black-backed jackals associate in groups of up to 20 or more and are territorial. They feed during portions of both the day and night. Black-backed jackals also primarily prefer acacia woodlands.




Below is the Jackal picture gallery. Click on the 'next' or 'back' button to navigate through the pictures.





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Game Drives & Safaris

Find out more about our game drives and view Jackals up close in their natural environment.

  
 
 
View other remarkable wildlife found in Southern Africa.

· African Elephant
· Buffalo
· Cheetah
· Giraffe
· Hyena
· Impala
· Kudu
· Leopard
· Lion
· Rhinocerous
· Wild Dog
· Zebra