Location: Africa
Habitat: Grasslands, Savannas, and near Human Settlements
Diet: Omnivores
Characteristic: Clever and uses barks and sounds between each other to communicate
Conservation: Least Concern
Black-backed jackals inhabit various regions across Africa, from southern parts to eastern and northern areas. They are adaptable creatures that can be found in a range of environments, including grasslands, woodlands, savannas, and even urban areas. Black-backed jackals are small to medium-sized canines. They stand about 13 to 16 inches at the shoulder and have a length of around 2.5 to 3.3 feet from head to tail. Their fur is mostly reddish-brown, and they are named after the distinctive black fur that runs along their back, from shoulders to tail. Black-backed jackals are clever animals that use different sounds, such as barks and howls, to communicate with each other. This helps them warn their group about potential dangers.
These jackals are omnivores, which means they eat a variety of foods. Their diet includes small animals like rodents, birds, insects, and even larger prey like young antelopes. They are also known to scavenge for food, which means they eat leftover meals from other animals.
Female jackals give birth to litters of pups, usually numbering between 3 to 6 individuals. The pups are cared for by both parents and are taught essential skills for survival. They are mostly active during the night, which makes them nocturnal animals. Their keen sense of smell and sharp hearing helps them locate prey and avoid predators. They are skilled hunters and scavengers, making them very resourceful.
Black-backed jackals are not currently endangered. They have a widespread presence across Africa and have adapted well to various habitats.