Jackal

The jackal is a small, smart animal that looks like a mix between a dog and a fox. It lives in open grasslands, deserts, and woodlands, and is known for its sharp mind, loud calls, and strong survival skills. Jackals often work in pairs and are active mostly at night.

 Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Mammalia

• Order: Carnivora

• Family: Canidae

• Genus: Canis

• Species: Various (see types below)

Common Names

• Jackal

• Golden Jackal

• Side-striped Jackal

• Black-backed Jackal

• Bush dog (informally in some local dialects)

 Geographic Distribution

Jackals are found in:

• Africa

• Parts of Asia (India, the Middle East)

• South-Eastern Europe

They like:

• Grasslands and savannahs

• Deserts and dry scrub areas

• Edges of forests and villages

Image showing a  jackal walking through dry grassland (Source: Destination Uganda)

Physical Characteristics

• Size: 70 to 100 cm long

• Height: About 40 cm at the shoulder

• Weight: 6 to 15 kg

• Color: Varies, golden, grey, black-backed, or reddish

• Ears: Pointy and upright

• Tail: Bushy with a dark tip

 Types of Jackals

1. Black-backed Jackal

Image showing a Black-backed jackal standing in open plain(Source:Wikipedia)

• Reddish body with a black patch on the back

• Found in southern and eastern Africa

• Sharp, alert, and very vocal

• Often seen alone or in pairs

2. Side-striped Jackal

Image showing a Side-striped jackal on the move at dusk (Source: Wildlife Pictures Online)

• Greyish body with a faint white line on the side

• Lives in central and southern Africa

• More shy and secretive than the others

• Active mostly at night

3. Golden Jackal

Image showing a  Golden jackal in an open field (Source: European Wilderness Society)

• Light golden-yellow coat

• Found in North Africa, India, and Europe

• Adaptable to farms, forests, and even near towns

• Good at scavenging and hunting small animals

 What do Jackals eat?

Jackals are omnivores, they eat both meat and plants. Their diet includes:

• Small animals like rats, rabbits, and birds

• Insects, eggs, and frogs

• Fruits, roots, and berries

• Leftovers from bigger predators (lions, leopards)

They eat whatever they can find, true survivors.

Fun facts about Jackals

• Jackals are known for their “yip-yip” calls, especially in the evening.

• They are loyal mates, often staying with one partner for life.

• Jackals help clean up dead animals, acting like nature’s waste removers.

• They are very fast, can run up to 65 km/h.

• In African folktales, jackals are often shown as clever tricksters.

 Importance to Humans

Positive Roles:

• Help control pests like rodents

• Clean up dead animals in the environment

• Add to biodiversity and attract wildlife tourists

• Important in local stories and traditions

Challenges:

• Sometimes attack poultry or weak livestock

• Can carry diseases like rabies if not healthy

• Often misunderstood and hunted

 Health & common issues

Jackals in the wild usually stay healthy but can suffer when close to human settlements.

Common issues:

• Rabies (can spread to dogs or people)

• Mange (skin disease)

• Parasites like ticks and fleas

• Injuries from traps or cars

Vet care tips (for rescued jackals):

• Quarantine and monitor for signs of illness

• Deworming and parasite control

• Clean diet and large space for recovery

• Only trained wildlife vets should handle them

 Conservation status

• Most jackal species are listed as Least Concern

• They are not endangered, but some populations are shrinking due to:

  • Hunting

  • Loss of habitat

  • Road accidents

In some areas, laws protect jackals from being hunted without cause.

Jackal vs Fox vs Hyena

Image showing a Jackal standing alert (Source: Pexels)

In case you have questions about wild canines or want help with local animal issues, you can visit Doctor Hulk Veterinary Hospital or call 08143397614.