What is a black-backed jackal?

The black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) is a widely distributed species of canid found in sub-Saharan Africa, but is absent in the Congo Basin rainforest and the arid regions of the south-western part of the continent. It occupies a variety of habitats, including savanna, woodland, coastal scrub, thickets and montane grasslands, but usually avoids dense rainforest and true desert; it often occurs near human habitation, farms, and small towns.

The black-backed jackal has a body size that is somewhat larger than that of foxes and is characterized by its black-tipped white-tipped tail that gives the species its name, and by a dark dorsal saddle or stripe contrasting against tawny-gold flanks and pale underparts. It is more sociable than the closely related side-striped jackal (C. adustus), and often forms large packs of up to 40 individuals, though they typically live in pairs or small family groups.

The diet of the black-backed jackal is varied, consisting mainly of small rodents and lagomorphs, insects, amphibians, reptiles and birds. The species will feed on any suitably sized animal, including fish and carrion; they will also sometimes feed on fruit, and visit cultivated areas to feed on vegetables, eggs and discarded scraps of food. They primarily hunt at night and during twilight hours.

The black-backed jackal has few predators, as their keen sense of hearing, sight, and smell, as well as their tendency to live in large packs, usually keeps them out of danger. However, they are occasionally hunted by hyenas, leopards and lions.

Black-backed jackals have a social structure that is comparable to that of wolves, and they use elaborate social behavior to communicate with each other. Communication is done through vocalizations, scent marking, and body postures.