Mammal

Black backed Jackal Sightings

Canis mesomelas

Least ConcernPredatorSeen in 5 parks

Want to know where and when to find Black backed Jackal right now? opspoor tracks live, verified sightings across South Africa's parks.

About the Black backed Jackal

The black-backed jackal is a medium-sized African canid recognised by the contrasting dark saddle of fur across its back, reddish-brown flanks and bushy tail. It is highly adaptable and occurs in savanna, grassland, woodland, semi-arid habitats and areas close to human activity. It is an opportunistic omnivore and predator, feeding on small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, fruit and carrion. Black-backed jackals are generally solitary or found in pairs, although family groups may form around breeding territories.

How to identify the Black backed Jackal

Slender jackal with a reddish-brown to grey-brown coat, distinctive black saddle across the back, white underparts and a bushy black-tipped tail. The ears are large and pointed.

Did you know?

Black-backed Jackals are highly adaptable predators and scavengers, capable of surviving in environments ranging from open savanna to semi-desert and human-modified landscapes.

Also known as: Rooijakkals, Jackal, Silver-backed Jackal

Parks where you can see the Black backed Jackal

Recent Black backed Jackal sightings

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