Overview
As dusk settles over the savannah, the sharp calls of black-backed jackals begin to carry across the landscape. Slender, alert and endlessly resourceful, they are among the most commonly encountered small predators in northern Tanzania.
The species is easily recognised by its rust-coloured flanks and the dark, silver-flecked saddle stretching from the shoulders to the base of the tail. Black-backed jackals are opportunistic omnivores, switching easily between hunting, scavenging and foraging as conditions change. Their diet ranges from insects, rodents and reptiles to fruit, eggs, carrion and young antelope.
Although well known for feeding around the kills of larger carnivores, jackals are skilled hunters in their own right. An individual can catch insects and rodents with quick, precise movements, while a bonded pair may cooperate when pursuing larger prey. Their intelligence and flexibility allow them to survive in environments ranging from arid grassland to farmland and the edges of human settlements.
Behaviour & How to Identify
Look for a lightly built, fox-like canid with pointed ears, a narrow muzzle, long legs and a bushy, black-tipped tail. The dark saddle across the back contrasts strongly with the reddish-brown flanks and pale underparts, distinguishing it from the more muted side-striped jackal.
Black-backed jackals are usually seen alone, as a pair or in a small family group. They form long-lasting pair bonds and jointly defend a territory. Both parents help raise their pups, while young from an earlier litter may remain with the family and assist with guarding and feeding the next generation.
Activity often increases around dusk and dawn, although jackals may also be active during the day, particularly in cooler weather or where they experience little disturbance.
Interesting facts
Black-backed jackals often form long-lasting pair bonds. A male and female defend their territory together and share much of the work involved in raising their pups.
They are both hunters and scavengers. Jackals readily feed from the remains of larger predators’ kills, but they also catch rodents, birds, reptiles and even young antelope themselves.
Their calls help keep families connected. Yelps, howls and wails can reunite separated animals, coordinate movement and advertise ownership of a territory.