Black-backed Jackal

Identification

The black-backed jackal is a fox-like canid with a distinctive appearance that makes it recognizable in the field. It is a medium-sized canine weighing 6–13 kg and standing 38–48 cm at the shoulder, with a slender body, long legs, and large ears. Its base colour ranges from reddish brown to tan, particularly pronounced on the flanks and legs, while the winter coat becomes a much deeper reddish brown.

The species' most characteristic feature is the black saddle intermixed with silvery hair that extends from the shoulders to the base of the tail. A long black stripe runs along the flanks, separating the saddle from the rest of the body and varying between individuals, which can help with identification. The tail is bushy and black-tipped, while the lips, throat, chest, and inner limbs are white. Compared to the closely related side-striped jackal and the more distantly related golden jackal, the black-backed jackal has a more robust skull and dentition with much sharper incisors.

Range & Habitat

The black-backed jackal is native to eastern and southern Africa, with its range divided into two distinct regions separated by roughly 900 km. The southern population inhabits the southernmost tip of the continent, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. The eastern population is found along the eastern coastline, including Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. The species has inhabited these regions for at least 2–3 million years, as evidenced by fossil deposits across its range.

The black-backed jackal is relatively unspecialized and can thrive in a wide variety of habitats, including deserts. This adaptability is supported by well-adapted kidneys that allow it to cope with water deprivation, enabling it to survive across diverse landscapes. This resilience and adaptability have helped maintain stable populations despite human persecution, earning it a listing of least concern on the IUCN Red List.

Behaviour & Diet

The black-backed jackal is a monogamous animal with a family-oriented social structure. Young jackals may remain with the family group to help raise new generations of pups, contributing to the cohesion and success of the pack. This cooperative breeding system is an important aspect of the species' ecology and survival strategy.

The species has a wide array of food sources, demonstrating its adaptability as a predator and scavenger. It feeds on small to medium-sized animals, plant matter, and human refuse, making it less dependent on any single food source. The black-backed jackal is more adapted to a carnivorous diet than other jackal species, as evidenced by its well-developed carnassial shear and longer cutting blade of the premolars. The species plays a prominent role in African folklore, often depicted as a cunning and adaptable trickster figure, reflecting its intelligence and resourcefulness.

Best Time & Places to See It

The black-backed jackal can be encountered throughout its range in eastern and southern Africa. In the south, prime locations include national parks and protected areas in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. In the east, Kenya, Ethiopia, and other countries along the eastern coastline offer opportunities to observe this species in its natural habitat.

This adaptable canine can be found across diverse landscapes from deserts to varied terrain, making it accessible in numerous wildlife areas. However, specific seasonal patterns or optimal viewing times are not detailed in available information, so consultation with local guides and park authorities at your chosen destination will help maximize your chances of encountering this cunning and resilient species.

Photography Tips

The black-backed jackal's distinctive black saddle and flanking stripe provide excellent photographic subjects, particularly when backlit to highlight the silvery hairs mixed into the black coloring. The contrasting white on the lips, throat, chest, and inner limbs creates natural compositional elements. Early morning and late afternoon light will emphasize the reddish-brown base coloring of the coat and make the characteristic markings more striking.

The species' large ears and fox-like facial features offer opportunities for detailed portraits. The bushy tail, tipped with black, is another distinctive feature worth capturing. Given the jackal's adaptability across varied habitats—from deserts to diverse terrain—photographers should be prepared for different lighting and landscape conditions. Patient observation and knowledge of local behavior patterns will increase your chances of capturing this ancient and resilient canid in compelling situations.