This is the third in an ongoing series of stories about the bush in Africa. All photos are taken by the author himself, while travelling.
This small member of the canine family is one of three species of jackal found in Africa. Its cousins are the Golden Jackal, mostly found in East and North Africa, and the Side-striped Jackal. It looks a bit like a cross between a German Shepard and a fox, with its small and slim face and legs, and the German Shepard’s pointy large ears.
The call of the black backed jackal is one of the most beautiful sounds of the African Bush, and heard mostly late afternoon or early evening, as they call to neighbours and family members. Sitting around a fire in the bush this chorus is sure to get you quiet and listing. If you have not heard this call yet, you can listen to it at http://www.krugerpark.co.za/africa_jackal.html
Sadly after our last spell of rabies many died, in for more than a year you did not hear their distinctive call. When on the farm a few weeks ago, I was very glad to hear a few calling to each other again as nature restores itself.
Food
Jackal are omnivores and will eat meat and vegetation. They will eat left overs from other kills, birds, reptiles, antelopes, fruits, insects, berries and grass. They will eat anything, including trash and decaying meet, and is thus susceptible to diseases such as Rabies and to poisoning by farming communities.
They are part of nature's cleaning system and thus a very important part of the cycle of life.
Seeing them is not that regular an occurrence as they can be quite shy. They tend to disappear quickly, using their colouring to blend into the bush
Other Articles in this series include
The African Bush – 4 July 2017
The African Bush 2 – 5 July 2017