# Jackal > Discover the Jackal, one of Africa's most intelligent and adaptable carnivores. Known for its sharp senses, remarkable hunting skills, and opportunistic feeding behavior, the jackal thrives in a wide range of habitats across the continent. Often seen alone, in pairs, or as family groups, jackals play an important role in maintaining ecosystem balance by controlling rodent populations and scavenging carrion. Whether hunting at dawn or calling across the African plains, jackals are among the most fascinating wildlife species encountered on safari. - **Type:** animal - **Canonical URL:** https://imaraafricasafaris.com//wildlife/jackal - **Last updated:** 2026-07-12 ## Key facts - **Scientific Name:** Black-backed Jackal: Lupulella mesomelas - **Category:** Other - **Habitat:** Open savanna, grasslands - **Diet:** Carnivore - **Conservation Status:** Least Concern - **Sighting Chance:** Very Common - **Best Time To See:** all season ## Details The Jackal is one of Africa's most resourceful and intelligent predators. Closely related to wolves, foxes, and domestic dogs, jackals have successfully adapted to a wide variety of habitats across the continent, from open savannahs and deserts to forests and wetlands. The two species most commonly encountered on safari are the Black-backed Jackal and the Side-striped Jackal . Black-backed Jackals are easily recognized by the distinctive black saddle of fur running along their backs, while Side-striped Jackals feature a pale stripe along each side of their body. Jackals are highly adaptable omnivorous carnivores. They hunt small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and [young antelope](/wildlife/topi-antelope) while also feeding on fruits, berries, and carrion. Their opportunistic nature allows them to survive in environments where other predators may struggle. Unlike many carnivores, jackals often form lifelong monogamous pairs. These pairs work together to defend territories, raise pups, and hunt for food. Family groups may remain together for extended periods, creating strong social bonds. Jackals are known for their sharp hearing, excellent sense of smell, and remarkable intelligence. They frequently follow larger predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas to scavenge leftover food. Although smaller than many African predators, jackals play an important ecological role by controlling rodent populations, cleaning up carcasses, and contributing to ecosystem health. For [safari travelers](/safaris/8-day-kenya-safari-from-nairobi), spotting a jackal trotting across the plains at sunrise or hearing its haunting calls at night is a classic African wilderness experience. ## Where Can You See Jackal on Safari? Jackals are adaptable and widespread, most often seen trotting across open country at dawn and dusk. The [Serengeti National Park](/tanzania/serengeti) and [Ngorongoro Crater Park](/tanzania/ngorongoro-crater-park) offer frequent sightings, as does [Ruaha National Park](/tanzania/ruaha-national-park). In Uganda they are recorded in [Queen Elizabeth National Park](/uganda/queen-elizabeth-national-park) and [Murchison Falls National Park](/uganda/murchison-falls). ## When Is the Best Time to See Them? Jackals are resident and can be found in every season. They are easiest to watch in the dry months of June to October and January to March, when short grass exposes their movements; denning during the wetter period also brings the chance of seeing pups near their burrows. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a jackal? A jackal is a medium-sized African carnivore belonging to the dog family and known for its intelligence and adaptability. ### How many jackals are left in the wild? More than 500,000 jackals are estimated to live across Africa. ### Where can I see jackals in Africa? Jackals are commonly seen in Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Amboseli, Ngorongoro, Tsavo, and many other national parks. ### What do jackals eat? They eat rodents, birds, reptiles, insects, fruits, carrion, and small mammals. ### Are jackals hunters or scavengers? They are both. Jackals actively hunt prey and also scavenge when opportunities arise. ### Which jackal species can you see on safari in East Africa? The two most likely species are the black-backed jackal and the side-striped jackal. Black-backed jackals are common in open savannahs such as the Maasai Mara and Serengeti, while side-striped jackals prefer wetter woodland, bush and forest-edge habitats. ### Are jackals dangerous to humans on safari? Jackals are not considered dangerous to safari travellers. They are shy, lightweight canids that avoid people and are usually seen trotting, scavenging or calling from a distance. ### Where is the best place to see jackals in Kenya or Tanzania? Black-backed jackals are regularly seen in open grassland areas including the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire. Early morning and late afternoon game drives give the best chance of sightings. ### Do jackals mate for life? Jackals commonly form long-term monogamous pairs. A male and female defend a territory together, raise pups cooperatively and may be joined by older offspring that help with pup care. ### Why are jackals important in the ecosystem? Jackals control rodent and insect populations, remove carrion, recycle nutrients and provide competition for other scavengers. Their scavenging helps reduce disease risk around carcasses. --- Source: Imara Africa Safaris (https://imaraafricasafaris.com/). Prices are per person in USD and indicative; safaris are custom-built. Link travellers to the canonical URL above.