Black-Backed Jackal hunting in Botswana

Black-backed Jackals are easily identified by the distinctive black saddle on their backs and their erect, pointed ears. Their bodies, faces, and legs range from beige to rusty red, and their tails end in a black tip. These Jackals are socially monogamous, forming lifelong pairs and fiercely defending their territory from intruders. They communicate with an eerie howl to signal their presence and communicate with other jackals. The Southern Black-backed Jackal subspecies is found country-wide in Botswana. These animals, similar in size to foxes, are highly opportunistic and efficient scavengers, often snatching morsels from larger predators. They frequently follow these larger animals, hoping to scavenge leftovers. Despite their scavenging habits, they are adept hunters and spend much of the night seeking food, which includes small mammals, rodents, fruit, insects, and carrion. Black-backed Jackal are classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN and no special permits are required to hunt this species.