Black-backed jackal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black-backed jackalTemporal range: Pliocene - recent
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| C. m. mesomelas Etosha National Park, Namibia |
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Canis
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mesomelas
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2 subspecies, see text |
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| Black-backed jackal range, with C. m. mesomelas in blue and C. m. schmidti in red | |
The black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas or Lupulella mesomelas) is a type of wild dog found in eastern and southern Africa. It's known for the striking black and white fur on its back, which looks a bit like a saddle.
These clever animals live in many African countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. They are very adaptable and can live in different environments. The black-backed jackal is currently listed as a species of least concern, meaning it's not in immediate danger of extinction. However, they are sometimes hunted because they can attack farm animals and carry diseases like rabies.
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What is a Black-Backed Jackal?
The black-backed jackal is a medium-sized canine, which is a family of animals that includes dogs, wolves, and foxes. It's one of three main types of jackals found in Africa. These animals are known for being very smart and resourceful. They have lived in Africa for a very long time, with their ancestors dating back to the Pliocene epoch.
How Big Are Black-Backed Jackals?
Black-backed jackals are fairly small for a canine. They usually weigh between 6 and 15 kilograms (about 13 to 33 pounds). They stand about 38 to 48 centimeters (15 to 19 inches) tall at the shoulder. Their bodies are slender, and they have long legs, which help them run fast.
What Do They Look Like?
The most noticeable feature of a black-backed jackal is the dark stripe of fur along its back. This stripe starts from its shoulders and goes all the way to its tail. The fur on their sides is usually reddish-brown, and their belly is white. They have a bushy tail, often with a black tip. Their ears are large and pointed, helping them hear prey from far away.
Where Do Black-Backed Jackals Live?
Black-backed jackals are found in two main areas of Africa. One group lives in eastern Africa, including countries like Kenya and Ethiopia. The other group lives in southern Africa, in places like South Africa and Namibia. They can live in many different habitats.
What Kind of Places Do They Prefer?
These jackals are very adaptable. They can be found in open grasslands, savannas, and even deserts. They also live in shrublands and mountainous areas. They prefer places where there is enough food and water, and where they can find shelter. They often live near human settlements, which can sometimes lead to conflicts.
What Do Black-Backed Jackals Eat?
Black-backed jackals are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They are very opportunistic hunters and scavengers. This means they will eat whatever food they can find.
Hunting and Scavenging
They hunt small animals like rodents, rabbits, and birds. They also eat insects, lizards, and even young antelope. Sometimes, they work together in small groups to hunt larger prey. When they can, they will also scavenge for food. This means they eat leftovers from other predators' kills or carrion (dead animals).
Other Foods
Besides meat, black-backed jackals also eat fruits and berries, especially when they are ripe. This helps them get important vitamins and minerals. They are very good at finding food, which is why they can survive in many different environments.
How Do Black-Backed Jackals Behave?
Black-backed jackals are mostly active during the early morning and late afternoon, but they can also be seen at night. They are known for their distinctive calls, which include howls, yelps, and barks.
Social Life
They often live in pairs, which are usually a male and female who mate for life. These pairs defend their territory together. Sometimes, their older offspring will stay with them for a while to help raise the next litter of pups. This is called cooperative breeding.
Raising Pups
Female jackals usually give birth to a litter of 3 to 6 pups in an underground den. Both parents help to raise the young. The pups are born blind and helpless, but they grow quickly. They learn to hunt and survive by watching their parents.
Images for kids
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Skull and skeleton
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Cape black-backed jackal (C. m. mesomelas) feeding on a brown fur seal pup, Namibia
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Cape black-backed jackal (C. m. mesomelas) feeding on a springbok carcass in Etosha National Park, Namibia
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Black-backed jackal pelt
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See also
In Spanish: Chacal de lomo negro para niños
