Jackals are wild canines belonging to the Canidae family, which also includes dogs, wolves, and foxes. They are found across vast regions of Africa and Eurasia, where they fill an important ecological role as opportunistic hunters and scavengers. Their ability to thrive in diverse environments, from arid deserts to lush savannas, demonstrates their adaptability.
Confirmation and Classification
Jackals are classified under the Family Canidae. They are considered medium-sized canids, intermediate between the smaller foxes and the larger wolves. An adult jackal typically weighs between 7 and 12 kilograms (15 to 26 pounds) and measures approximately 70 to 95 centimeters in length, including their bushy tail.
The term “jackal” is a common name applied to several distinct species that share a similar build and ecological function. Their general appearance is characterized by long legs, a pointed muzzle, and a size larger than a coyote but smaller than a gray wolf. Their long legs are well-suited for sustained, long-distance running, capable of maintaining speeds around 16 kilometers per hour.
Distinguishing Jackal Species
The designation “jackal” is an umbrella term for three species traditionally recognized: the Black-backed Jackal, the Side-striped Jackal, and the Golden Jackal. These three species are differentiated primarily by their distinct coat patterns and their evolutionary lineages.
The Black-backed Jackal (Lupulella mesomelas) is easily identified by the striking mantle of black and silver fur running from its neck down to its tail, contrasting with its rusty red body. The Side-striped Jackal (Lupulella adusta) has a grayish coat with an indistinct white stripe running along its flanks and a noticeable white tip on its tail.
The classification of the Golden Jackal (Canis aureus) introduced significant complexity following genetic studies. While the name is still used for the species found across Southeast Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia, the African population was determined to be genetically distinct. This African population is now frequently referred to as the African Golden Wolf (Canis lupaster), as it is more closely related to the gray wolf and coyote lineage than to the two other African jackal species. This reclassification highlights that the three species are not a single evolutionary group, but rather a collection of canids that evolved to fill similar roles in different regions.
Geographical Distribution and Habitat
Jackals have an expansive distribution across two continents. The Black-backed Jackal and the Side-striped Jackal are found exclusively in Africa. The Black-backed Jackal has two distinct populations: one in Southern Africa and another along the eastern coast, including countries like Kenya and Ethiopia.
The Side-striped Jackal prefers more moist habitats, often inhabiting savannas, marshlands, and bushlands across Central and Southern Africa. The Golden Jackal is the only species that extends outside of Africa, ranging from Southeastern Europe, across the Middle East, and into parts of South Asia. All jackals are habitat generalists, successfully occupying a variety of open country environments, including arid grasslands, scrublands, and open woodlands.
Diet and Social Behavior
Jackals function as omnivores and opportunistic feeders. Their diet is varied, consisting of small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects, but also including plant matter such as fruits and berries. They are also proficient scavengers, readily consuming carrion and following larger predators like lions to feed on the remains of a kill.
Their social structure is generally based on a monogamous pair, which is the most common and stable social unit. These mated pairs often bond for life and cooperate closely in hunting and defending their territory. Cooperative hunting significantly increases their success rate.
The pairs establish and defend a territory, which they mark using urine and feces to ward off intruders. They also exhibit cooperative breeding, where young adults from a previous litter, known as “helpers,” may remain with their parents to assist in raising the next litter of pups. This familial cooperation ensures that the young receive enhanced parental care, with both the male and female actively involved in providing food and protection.