- Common Name: Black-backed Jackal, also known as Silver-backed Jackal
- Scientific Name: Canis mesomelas
- Swahili Name: Bweha nyukundu
- Maasai Name: Embarie
- Size:
- Head-Body Length (HBT): 135 cm (53 inches)
- Shoulder Height (SH): 38 cm (15 inches)
- Gestation: 9 weeks
- Recognition: This jackal has a distinct fox-like appearance, characterized by a black-and-silver saddle across its back and a black-tipped tail. Its sleek build and sharp features make it one of the most recognizable small carnivores in East Africa.
Habits and Behavior
- Nocturnal and Opportunistic: Black-backed Jackals are most active at night and during cooler periods of the day. They spend the hottest hours sheltering in thick cover or shaded areas. Their nocturnal habits make them adept hunters under the cover of darkness, but they are also seen during the day, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon.
- Proficient Hunter: Despite their smaller size compared to other predators in the Masai Mara, Black-backed Jackals are skilled and strategic hunters. They are known to bring down prey as large as young impalas by targeting the legs, loins, and throat after a well-coordinated chase. They are opportunistic feeders, preying on a wide variety of animals, including invertebrates, birds, small mammals, and large snakes.
- Scavenger Strategy: When not hunting, Black-backed Jackals are notorious scavengers. At a carcass, they employ cunning tactics to steal food from larger predators such as lions and hyenas. Often, one jackal will distract the dominant predator while another sneaks in to grab a morsel of food. This behavior makes them incredibly versatile in securing meals.
- Highly Vocal: Black-backed Jackals are much more vocal than their Side-striped Jackal relatives. They communicate with high-pitched yelps and howls, particularly at night, to maintain contact with their pack or signal the location of food. Their calls can often be heard echoing across the savanna, adding to the nocturnal soundscape of the Mara.
Social Structure
- Monogamous Pairs: Black-backed Jackals form lifelong monogamous pairs, with the partners staying together until one dies or becomes incapacitated. In such cases, the remaining jackal is often driven from its territory or killed by rivals. Their strong pair bonds help them hunt more effectively and raise their pups in a safe, stable environment.
Habitat
- Where to Find: Black-backed Jackals are common throughout the savannas of the Masai Mara, particularly in mixed grassland and scrub areas. They are adaptable to various environments but prefer open landscapes with sufficient cover for resting during the day. They can be found near water sources, forests, or grassy plains, making them a versatile species in terms of habitat.
Diet
- Feeds on: As opportunistic omnivores, Black-backed Jackals feed on a diverse range of food, including invertebrates, birds, small mammals, reptiles, and even carrion. They are also adept at hunting larger prey such as impalas and small antelopes. Their flexible diet allows them to survive in a variety of habitats, whether hunting or scavenging.
Conservation Status
- IUCN Status: Least Concern. Black-backed Jackals have a wide distribution across southern and eastern Africa, including the Masai Mara. Their population remains stable, thanks to their adaptability in various habitats and their ability to feed on a wide range of food sources. However, like many wild animals, they face threats from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict, especially in areas where they come into contact with livestock.
Unique Traits
- Clever Scavenger: Known for their cunning strategies at carcasses, Black-backed Jackals work in pairs or packs to distract larger predators like lions and hyenas, allowing them to sneak in and steal food. This intelligence and opportunism are key to their survival in a competitive ecosystem.
- Skilled Hunter: Though smaller than many other predators, these jackals are efficient hunters. They take down prey much larger than themselves, employing teamwork and agility.
- Monogamous Bonds: Black-backed Jackals are notable for their lifelong monogamous pairings. These strong pair bonds are crucial for hunting success, raising pups, and maintaining territory.
Interesting Facts
- Tough Competitors: Despite their small size and lighter frame compared to other predators, Black-backed Jackals are known for their persistence and skill. They are capable of hunting small antelope and even intimidating larger animals with their teamwork.
- Vocal Nature: Their high-pitched yelps and calls, often heard at night, are used for communicating within the pack, especially to alert others to food sources or potential dangers.
In conclusion, the Black-backed Jackal is one of the most agile, intelligent, and adaptable carnivores in the Masai Mara. Known for its fierce hunting abilities and clever scavenging techniques, this jackal plays an important role in the Mara’s ecosystem. With its stable population and adaptability, the Black-backed Jackal remains a resilient and fascinating species to observe in the wild.