Black-Backed Jackal
wildlife of Namibia
Introduction - Although the black-backed jackal is an efficient hunter it relies heavily on scavenging for its food supply. Black-backed jackals form long term bonds with a pair occupying territories of anything from 3 - 21 sq km. Pups are looked after by older siblings as well as the parents. Jackals will often be found around campsites scavenging for scraps and unattended food. It is common for shoes left outside of tents and bungalows in Etosha National Park to go missing during the night, jackals are generally the culprits. Jackals are common throughout Namibia and are easily seen except in the extreme north-east of the country.
Diet - insects, birds, rodents and occasionally small antelope.
Colouring - Light reddish brown. The 'saddle' on its back is black with white speckles. The tail is moderately bushy, fairly long, and sandy, marked with darker hairs, and usually with a dark tip.
Breeding - 1 - 6 (rarely 9) young are born from July - October after a gestation period of about 2 months.
Size - Shoulder height: 30 - 50cm and around 1m long (including a 30cm tail). Black backed jackals weigh up to 12kg
