Black-backed jackal – Canis mesomelas

Black-backed jackal belongs to the Canidae family. Its name is linked to the strip of black fur that covers the back of its head to the tip of its tail. It can measure up to 1 meter long and weight around 10 kg. 

It lives in eastern and southern Africa but is most common in the desert.

Omnivorous, it usually feeds on insects, rodents, lizards, fruit and carrion and hunts at night. Sometimes it is the prey of leopards, lions, hyenas, cheetahs, wild dogs, pythons and large raptors.

The gestation period is 60 days. The range contains about four small. Couples keep their youngs with them for a year to assist during the hunting in nature. They live in pairs for life.

Its average life span is 14 years and up to 16 years in captivity.