Jackal Facts

About the jackal

Today the word mostly means three species: the black-backed and side-striped jackals of Southern and Central Africa plus the golden jackal, found in Asia and south-central Europe. The African golden wolf used to be counted as a jackal too. Long legs and curved canine teeth suit hunting birds, reptiles and small mammals, and big feet with fused leg bones let them keep up 16 km/h (10 mph) for a long time.

Jackals are most active at dawn and dusk. The usual unit is a monogamous pair that guards its territory by chasing off other pairs and marking landmarks with urine and feces. Some young adults stay with their parents until they find territory of their own. Small packs may form briefly to scavenge a carcass, but jackals normally hunt alone or in pairs.

Did you know?

• The three jackal species do not form a single natural group on the family tree.
• The golden jackal's scientific name is Canis aureus.
• Black-backed and side-striped jackals belong to the genus Lupulella.