Look Out for the Cunning Jackal
As a member of a canine family, the cunning jackal can be found in parts of Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southeastern parts of Europe. They are hearty survivors that can be found in deserts, savannas, marshes, grasslands, bush-lands, mountains, and woodlands.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Common jackal (Canis aureus) | Side-striped jackal (Canis adustus) | Black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas)
Weight: 17 – 25 lbs
Height: Up to 16 – 18 inches (at the shoulder)
Length: Up to 33 inches plus a 10 inch tail
Lifespan: Up to 9 years (in the wild) | Up to 16 (in captivity)
Now on to the Facts!
1.) Opportunistic as they are, they eat smaller gazelles, snakes and other reptiles, seals, insects, sheep, fruit, berries, and even grass! Jackals will also feast on carrion.
2.) A jackal can exist in a solitary environment or in a large pack. Large packs tend to have a better chance of preying on larger animals.
3.) Larger predators will prey on jackals. Animals like cheetahs, leopards, and larger eagles.
4.) Being territorial, jackals fiercely defend their territory and frequently mark it with urine.
5.) Jackals can run up to 40 mph!
But wait, there’s more on the jackal!
6.) They are vocal and produce a variety of sounds based on the need. Some of the sounds they make are: howls, yips, growls, and “owl-like hoots”. A siren-like howl is produced when food is discovered.
7.) The sounds are inherent to their pack and other pack’s sounds are ignored.
Did you know…?
Jackals are monogamous (they mate for life).
8.) These critters are also crepuscular (active at twilight).
