Black-backed Jackal

Lupulella mesomelas

The black-backed jackal is one of Africa's most resourceful and adaptable predators. Named for the distinctive saddle of dark, silver-streaked fur on their backs, these fox-sized canids are found from the arid deserts of Namibia to the lush savannas of East Africa. They're opportunists in the truest sense: skilled hunters of small prey, cunning scavengers at predator kills, and bold enough to steal food from under the noses of lions and hyenas. On safari, you'll often spot jackals trotting purposefully across the landscape, ears pricked and nose twitching, always alert to the next opportunity. They're among the first to arrive at a kill, darting in to grab scraps while larger predators feed, and they feature heavily in the chaotic drama that unfolds around carcasses on the African plains. Jackals mate for life, and watching a bonded pair hunt cooperatively or raise their pups together is a rewarding experience. They communicate through a haunting, yelping call that's one of the signature sounds of the African bush at dusk. While they lack the star power of big cats, jackals are endlessly entertaining to watch, and experienced safari-goers know that following a jackal often leads you to something bigger happening nearby.