More info: Jackals are a type of canine, animals that are related to dogs, coyotes, foxes and wolves. There are three species of jackal : the black-backed jackal; the golden, or common, jackal; and the side-striped jackal. All three species are about the size of domestic dogs. The black-backed jackal stays mostly in savannas and woodlands. There are two discrete populations. One lives at the southern tip of the continent in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. The other is found along the eastern coastline, including Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia.
Black-backed jackals are monogamous and mate for life. Sometimes small packs are formed and these are usually made up of a pair and their adult offspring. They are often seen sneaking up to a big cat kill to grab a morsel. Jackals have excellent hearing and smell and are quick to locate kills. Black-backed jackals are omnivorous and opportunistic and may be found scavenging carcasses as well as hunting a variety of prey themselves.
Young jackals are born blind in a den and their eyes open when they are approximately 10 days old. The mother jackal will change the location of their den to reduce chances of them being found by predators. During this time they both suckle and eat regurgitated food.