Types of Jackals in East Africa: Species, Facts & Identification

East Africa is home to some of the most iconic wildlife with the expansive savannas, open woodlands and bushlands as habitat. Another interesting predator in East Africa, that, among the lions, elephants, and the cheetahs, is the quiet successor of the Jackal.

The intelligent and cunning canids are often seen wandering the plains either trotting, calling at dusk or trailing the bigger predators in a hope of an easy meal.

The Jackal in East Africa is not a single species. The region however has three unique species that have been referred to as jackals. Even the DNA studies that were recently reclassified one of them as a wolf.

Nevertheless, as this scientific update, all three are commonplace sights on safari in such countries as Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Where to See Them on Safari

The jackals are typical of East Africa and one of the easiest animals to observe on safari. They prefer open fields and they can easily perceive their prey and avoid danger.

They are a common sight in Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Amboseli National Park. They are also common in the highland and savannahs in Ethiopia.

Types of Jackals in East Africa

When we talk of Jackal in East Africa, it is essential to note that three species reside in the area.

Black-backed Jackal

Appearance

This jackal measures reddish-brown or ginger on most parts of its body, and has a white chest. There is a separate black streak that goes from the back of its neck to its tail.

Behavior

It is an aggressive and predatory species. It usually trails after the lions or hyenas waiting in case of some remnants. Black-backed jackals are very vocal and are characterized by loud calls and night screams.

Size & Weight

The black-backed jackal weighs 6 to 10 kg, is 30 to 48 cm high at the shoulder, and 65 to 75 cm in body length.

Habitat

The black-backed jackal inhabits savannas and woodlands in the eastern and southern part of Africa such as Kenya and Ethiopia.

Side-striped Jackal

Appearance

The fur of this jackal is light gray to tan. There is a conspicuous white streak running along its side between the elbow and the hip and other thin black stripes on its sides. Its face is less harsh and colder than that of breeds with dark backs.

Behavior

The side-striped jackals are less aggressive and do not want to scavenge other big predators. They are more nocturnal and not nocturnal like their black counterparts.

Size & Weight

The jackal weighs between 7 and 12 kg, the height of the jackal is between 35 and 50 cm at the shoulder and its length is between 75 and 81 cm.

Habitat

The side-striped jackal adapts better in the wet with dense vegetation environment and lives in wet savannahs, wet marshlands, bushlands and found in mountainous regions in tropical parts of Africa.

African Golden Wolf

Appearance

The African golden wolf is similar to the Eurasian golden Jackal. African golden wolf is a small slim dog-like animal with yellowish to silvery-Gray color. It is reddish-coloured on the legs, with a black tip on the tail, and a white mark on its throat and belly. It is pointed headed, has long ears, and bright amber eyes.

Behavior

It feeds on small mammals and birds and can either be in pairs or small family groups. It is very adjustable and smart.

Size & Weight

The African golden wolf is approximately 6-13 kg in weight, 38 to 45 cm in shoulders and has a body length of 70 to 85 cm.

Habitat

The golden jackal (sometimes referred to as African golden wolf in East Africa) thrives in dry habitats like deserts, open savannahs and arid grasslands and is found in areas extending northwards and eastwards to Africa.

Facts and Behavior

Social Structure

Jackals tend to be monogamous; they are typically in strong pairs. A female pair can cohabit with their pups and occasionally aged children. They are also territorial and vocal calls are used to protect territory.

Diet

Jackals are omnivores who are opportunistic. They not only hunt small antelopes but also prey on reptiles, insects, birds, fruits and plants. They can even make a meal by scavenging the dead animals of bigger predators and even go to garbage pits to eat.

Ecological Role

The jackals are the cleaners of nature. They eat carrion, thereby preventing disease transmission. They also regulate the population of rodents thus maintaining a balance in the ecosystem.

Lifespan

The lifespan of jackals in the wild is 8-9 years. They are able to live for 16 years in captivity as they are secure and well taken care of.

Identification Tips

• Jackals can be readily identified using their golden brown fur, bushy tail and fox-like faces. 
• They tend to be fast and assertive and most often pause to investigate small creatures such as rodents or seek food around water. 
• Their harsh echoing calls in the evening can be heard too, and this usually betrays their position.
• Their erect ears, as well as their fast trotting step, are also distinguishing features that make them different from foxes or small hyenas.

Best Time to Spot Jackals

The jackals are nocturnal most especially in the morning and evening. In early morning game drives they are seen foraging for food before the heat of the day arrives and even evening safari can give opportunities to hear their haunting calls reverberate over the plains.

Jackals may be observed following herds during migration times in the Serengeti and Masai Mara as they take up the remains of their prey.

Are Jackals Dangerous?

As a rule, jackals are not harmful to people. They are timid creatures and do not like confrontation. People are very rarely attacked and only when the animal feels threatened or cornered.

They must never be approached or fed like all other wild animals. Keep a safe distance and stay safe, as well as keep the animal safe.

Threats & Disease

The Jackal in East Africa despite its flexibility and distribution has its challenges. One of the key dangers is habitat loss because growing farms, roads and settlements are shrinking the open savannahs and woodlands on which they rely.

The other issue is human-wildlife conflict. Jackals are also killed in certain rural places where they are accused of causing the loss of livestock. In some cases, jackals are also incidentally killed by poison set out against bigger predators such as lions or hyenas.

They also fall prey to diseases like rabies and canine distemper which are mostly caused by domestic dogs. Jackals are strong animals, but conservation programs and proper land management should be carried out in the future to save them.

Tips for Visitors

• For sightings undertake morning or evening game drives for hunting activity.
• They are active during sunrise and sunset.
• Always carry field glasses in order to see well.
• Keep noise at a minimum  (whisper) at sightings.
• Do not leave your vehicle except at designated spots.
• They are highly vocal and hunt in pairs.

Adhering to the rules of wildlife, will improve your experience while on safari and save these smart creatures, too.

Conclusion

Jackal in East Africa is not a very familiar name compared to the lions and the elephants; however, it is one of the most versatile and smart predators in the savannah. The Black-backed Jackal is the boldest, the Side-striped Jackal is the shiest and the add-on to the ecosystems of East Africa is the reclassified African Golden Wolf.

Seeing Jackals in East Africa run magnificently through golden plains in the morning sun will bring a reminder that even the less powerful predators are effective in the wild. Their strength, intelligence, and environmental significance make them an unforgettable inclusion to any safari tour.

FAQs

What do jackals eat?

Jackals are opportunistic predators. They feed on small mammals, birds, insects and reptiles, fruits and on the carcass of other larger predators.

What do you know about the jackal species?

They can be distinguished by their coat patterns and habitat. One is the black-backed jackal. This is a black sand sable, side, and the other is the African golden wolf. This is a type of sandy-colored wolf-like animal.

When is it best to watch jackals?

Jackals predominantly occur during the mornings and at night. The most likely times to encounter them are early mornings and evening safaris when they are hunting or scavenging.

How long do jackals live?

Living in the wild, jackal tends to live 8 to 9 years. With proper care, they are able to live up to 16 years without their freedom