Often in East Africa called the Silver Back Jackal because of the grizzled silver/black stripe down the back of this dog like carnivore. In fact the closest animal to the domestic dog, the Jackal is the quintessential scavenger/opportunistic carnivore in the African bush. They are territorial, monogamous and dominate other jackals in the acacia woodland. They are omnivorous, but importantly to pup survival; ‘helpers’ contribute up to 30% of the meat regurgitations to the pups and the lactating mother (although on a quarter of pups become helpers as opposed to all in golden jackals).
Although they are known as scavengers they also are successful foragers and up to 75% successful on killing young Thomson gazelles when they have their birthing peak. They are also known for following predators, especially lions and nipping in at carcasses to feed. They usually den in holes/ termite mounds, have 3-4 young (after 2 month gestation period)which they are very attentive over until the pups are 3.5 months old when they move out of the holes and stay under bushes.
Found all over the Maasai Mara especially where there are a lot of predators. A good area for den sites seems to be all the old termitaria around rhino ridge.
Longevity about 13yrs.
