The Black Back Jackal (canis mesomelas) is a member of the dog family. It is usually somewhat smaller than the average dog, being only around 15-30 lbs in weight. You can find them in most parks and reserves in East and South Africa.

BB Jackals pair bond for life and will protect their territory from other paired jackals by dual scent marking (both of them leave their mark in the same location). As soon as one dies, the word gets out right away as there is only one scent at the marking posts, and the territory is taken over by another pair.

Jackals eat small rodents and have been known to take small sheep or goats from local farmers. Black-backs scavenge at larger predator kill sites and on occasion there can be a large gathering of jackals ( 3 or 4 or more pairs) at any one site. They can be very aggressive in competing with the larger predator for a share of the available meat.