Black-backed Jackal

African canine · pack hunter · clever survivor

A clever canine. The black-backed jackal is a medium-sized wild dog native to eastern and southern Africa. Despite being separated by about 900 kilometers, these two regions are home to the same amazing species.

Dark striped back. This jackal gets its name from the distinctive black and silver fur running down its back, which makes it easy to spot in the African grasslands and savannas.

Skilled hunter and scavenger. Black-backed jackals are smart survivors that hunt small animals, birds, and insects, but they're also quick to grab leftover kills from other predators or feast on fruit and plants when meat is scarce.

Family pack life. These jackals live together in families called pairs or small packs, and both parents work together to raise and teach their pups how to survive in the wild.

Nighttime noise makers. Black-backed jackals are most active at dawn and dusk, and they're famous for their haunting howls and yips that echo across the African landscape.