Jackal |
Unique Features
Jackal are unique in that they are among the few species of mammals that have only one mate for life, and will only mate again if one mate dies. Jackal usually hunt alone or in pairs and are extremely cunning. When hunting in pairs and the quarry is small antelope, it is not unusual for one jackal to get the female antelope to charge, while its hunting partner snatches up her undefended and vulnerable offspring. The jackal's activities are mainly nocturnal, although they are often seen during the day. Eating Habits Jackals are omnivorous. When they occur in areas where there are large predators, jackal mainly scavenge for food, usually following lions on the hunt. At the lion kill, around thirty or more jackal may gather for their share of the spoils, waiting impatiently for the lions to eat their fill so that they can pounce on the remains. Sometimes they get too impatient and are swatted aside and wounded or killed by a lion. When not scavenging, jackal prey on any living thing that they can overpower: small mammals such as young antelope, birds, rodents, hares, reptiles, insects, eggs and even frogs. They also eat grass, wild fruit, berries, and seed. Predators Adult jackal have few natural enemies besides the spotted hyena and leopard. Habitat They prefer open savanna or light woodland but are very adaptable and are also found in dry habitats. Breeding A litter of 3 - 8 pups are born after a gestation period of 2 months. The pups are usually born in the disused burrows of antbears and porcupines which are enlarged by the female jackal and turned into a den in which to raise her young. Pups are fed on regurgitated meat. |