BLACK BACKED JACKAL – OPPURTINISTS IN THE EXTREME
Of all the predators present in Namibia, the Black Backed Jackal,
Canis Mesomelas, is spoken about the most. It is considered a problem animal by sheep farmers. It is
considered an opportunistic hunter and forager by conservation minded people. Whatever any one has to say about the
Jackal, all is true, because the Black Backed Jackal is the best predator around.
Contact us today to arrange your Namibia safari and have the chance to see these anmials in the wild.
Slightly smaller than a big dog, but bigger than a cat, a Jackal can punch far above its weight. A jackal can
weigh about 9 kilogram. It can be considered an omnivore, as it eats anything from meat to wild berries. Generally
jackal will eat or scavenge the left over’s from other predators like lion or cheetah. It must however be known
that Jackal also do hunt. Along the Skeleton coast in Namibia, Jackal have been observed in hunting the Cape
Fur Seal. In Etosha National Park, Jackal have been seen hunting hares and also catching unwary birds. Birds such
as Cape Turtle doves and the odd flamingo are caught by Jackal. Add to this that they eat the ripe fruits from the
raising bush and the Jackal berry tree, and the occasional bird egg that rolled out of a nest, and you have a
predator that stands back for nothing.
Jackals are mainly nocturnal animals. They start patrolling their home ranges from dusk and will continue their
search for food until early morning. Along the Skeleton coast the Jackal has adapted and is seen in broad daylight.
With an abundance of food in the form of Cape Fur Seals, and a lack of predators, there is no more need for stealth
or other forms of cunningness.
Black Backed Jackal have a well developed social instinct. Large groups of jackal can be seen at a kill for
example, but this does not mean that they are of one group. When converging on a kill they will interact, but
minimally so. Long term groups usually consist of a family and their offspring. A male and female Jackal can bond
for life after mating. The pair might split up during foraging or when inspecting their territory, but will always
end up with each other again at the start of the new breeding season. When the pups are born, they are immediately
hidden in a den, which can be a hole in the ground, or some sort of cover to give some protection for the pups.
Predators like Spotted Hyena and lions will most
certainly kill jackal pups if found. Up to 6 pups can be born in one session. These pups are taught how to hunt and
fend for themselves by either the mother, or by other adult jackal that are in the group. After about 8 months the
jackal pups are self sufficient and will leave the group to fend for themselves.
The Black Backed Jackal occurs all over Namibia. In national parks and game reserves they are protected so are
seen on a much more regular basis than in other areas. Along the coast in Cape Cross and Sandwich harbour there is
quite a huge number of jackals. They are a spectacle to observe, especially if there is young around. Just by
looking at a Jackal you will immediately see why they have survived thus far, and why they will continue doing so.
They are the ultimate generalists. They adapt to their environment and prey, and will continue doing so.
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