Mammals Most active at dawn and dusk

Black-backed Jackal

Lupulella mesomelas

iNaturalist Wikipedia

The Black-backed Jackal is a master of the African landscape, known for its striking silver-flecked saddle and haunting evening howls. This resilient and intelligent canid thrives everywhere from the deep desert to the suburban fringe, proving itself to be one of nature's ultimate survivors.

18 Sightings

1 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 60-90 cm (24-35 in); Shoulder height: 38-48 cm (15-19 in); Weight: 6-13 kg (13-29 lbs)

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Colors

Rusty-red to golden flanks and legs, with a prominent black 'saddle' on the back heavily flecked with silver-white hair. The tail is bushy and ends in a black tip.

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Key Features

Distinct black and silver-flecked saddle across the back
Large, pointed upright ears for acute hearing
Bushy tail with a solid black tip
Slender, fox-like build with long, reddish legs

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Most active at dawn and dusk

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Peak hours 5-8 AM, 6-10 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Highly opportunistic omnivores that hunt rodents, hares, and birds, but also consume insects, fruit, carrion, and occasionally human refuse or livestock.

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Habitat Widespread across open savannas, arid grasslands, desert fringes, and increasingly common in agricultural lands and suburban perimeters.

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Where Does the Black-backed Jackal Live?

The Black-backed Jackal is native to the African continent, where it occupies two distinct geographical ranges separated by nearly 1,000 kilometers. The southern population thrives across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, while the eastern population is found in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Somalia. This unique distribution highlights their ability to adapt to diverse climates, from the scorching Namib Desert to the lush highlands of the Great Rift Valley.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

10 Countries

3.5M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

ZA South Africa NA Namibia BW Botswana KE Kenya TZ Tanzania ZW Zimbabwe ET Ethiopia Somalia Angola MZ Mozambique

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

View on iNaturalist open_in_new

Recorded on EverydayEarth

location_on Lephalale Local Municipality, Limpopo

18 sightings

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Behavior

Black-backed Jackals are among the most intelligent and socially complex canids in Africa. They are famous for being strictly monogamous, often forming pair bonds that last for a lifetime. These pairs are highly territorial and work together to defend their range, hunt small prey, and raise their young. They are incredibly vocal animals, using a distinct, high-pitched wailing howl to communicate over long distances, often answered by family members in a haunting chorus at dusk.

Unlike many other predators, Black-backed Jackals are surprisingly adaptable and have learned to thrive alongside human development. They exhibit a blend of cautious curiosity and bold opportunism. In the wild, they are often seen trailing lions or hyenas to scavenge remains, but in suburban areas, they have become masters of the 'night shift,' navigating human landscapes with remarkable stealth. They are also known for 'alloparenting,' where older offspring stay with the parents for a year to help raise the next generation of pups.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Black-backed Jackal on camera requires a blend of strategy and stealth. Because they are highly suspicious of new objects in their environment, you should use 'No-Glow' or 'Black LED' infrared cameras. Standard red-glow IR can startle them, causing them to bolt or avoid the area entirely. Position your camera along fence lines, established game trails, or near water sources, as jackals are creatures of habit and frequently patrol the same boundaries every night.

Mount your camera at a height of about 45 to 60 centimeters (18-24 inches) from the ground. This 'canid-eye-level' angle is perfect for capturing their distinctive facial markings and those iconic large ears. If you are monitoring a large backyard or farm, look for 'latrines'—areas with concentrated scat—as these are territorial markers where jackals will stop to sniff and investigate, giving you a perfect opportunity for a clear, stationary shot.

To keep them in the frame longer, you can use a scent-based lure rather than food. A small amount of commercial predator calling scent or even a rag soaked in sardine oil tucked into a hollow log can pique their curiosity. Set your camera to a multi-shot burst mode (3-5 photos) with a fast trigger speed. Jackals often trot quickly, and a single shot might only capture their tail. Video mode is particularly rewarding with this species; if your camera has a sensitive microphone, you may even capture their eerie vocalizations as they signal to their partners during the night.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Black-backed Jackal.

Side-striped Jackal

Lacks the black saddle; has a faint white stripe on the flank and a white-tipped tail.

Golden Jackal

Features a more uniform yellowish-gold coat without the dark, silver-flecked saddle on the back.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Black-backed Jackals are primarily crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. In areas with high human activity, they often shift their behavior to become almost entirely nocturnal to avoid detection.

On larger properties or farms, attracting them is best done using scent lures like gland oils or fish-based scents. They are also drawn to permanent water sources. Always ensure you are following local wildlife regulations and avoid leaving out large amounts of food that could attract unwanted pests.

They are generalist omnivores. Their diet includes small mammals like mice and hares, ground-nesting birds, reptiles, and insects. They also eat a significant amount of plant matter, such as wild fruits and berries, and will scavenge carrion whenever available.

Yes, they are very common on the outskirts of major cities in Southern and Eastern Africa. They are highly adaptable and can survive in suburban greenbelts, golf courses, and large gardens, though they are rarely seen during the day due to their shy nature.

The easiest way is to look at the back and tail. The Black-backed Jackal has a very dark, silver-flecked 'saddle' and a black-tipped tail. The Side-striped Jackal is grayer, lacks the dark saddle, has a white stripe on its side, and features a white-tipped tail.

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