Black-backed jackal hunting in Ethiopia

The Black-backed Jackal is easily recognisable due to the distinctive black saddle on its back and its erect, pointed ears. The colouration of their bodies, faces, and legs ranges from beige to rusty red, and their tails have a characteristic black tip. These Jackals exhibit social monogamy, forming lifelong pairs and vigorously defending their territories from intruders. They use an eerie howl to announce their presence and communicate with other jackals. The Northern Black-backed Jackal subspecies is found throughout Ethiopia except in the Northwest. These animals, similar in size to foxes, are highly opportunistic and efficient scavengers, often seizing morsels from larger predators. They frequently trail these bigger animals, hoping to scavenge leftovers. Despite their scavenging habits, they are skilled hunters and spend much of the night foraging for food, which includes small mammals, rodents, fruit, insects, and carrion. Black-backed Jackals are classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, and no special permits are required to hunt them.