Dave Taylor's African Safari: Trophic Level III: Omnivores and Small Carnivores - Golden Jackal

Trophic Level III: Omnivores and Small Carnivores
Golden Jackal
Page 40

Canis aureus

Length: 65-105 cm (26-41")

Tail: 18-27 cm (7-11")

Weight: 6-15 kg (13-33 lb.)

Status: Not endangered; still common across its range

Habitat: Golden jackals can be found in dry, open country, up to an altitude of 3 000 meters (9,843 feet). They are drought resistant and can survive in places where other dogs cannot. They are among the most numerous of East Africa's carnivores.

Food: Golden jackals are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods including invertebrates, birds, small reptiles and mammals up to the size of gazelles. They also eat bulbs, berries and fruits in season. They will scavenge carrion as well.

Approximately 80% of their food comes from predation. In the dry season, they will dig up beetles and other insects. Where flamingos are common (in Ngorongoro Crater for example) they will rush into a flock and grab a bird. Rabbits and mice are a favorite prey. Topi calves, Thomson's gazelles and other small ruminants may fall prey to them too. Animals of this size are usually not attacked unless visibly debilitated.

Social System: Golden jackal pairs occupy a territory that on the Serengeti, covers between 200 and 400 hectares (494-988 acres). The same pair will occupy their territory for several years. Pups may stay with them from a year to a year and a half before they must leave to find their own space.

While they are with their parents, the older jackal pups will help feed and watch younger pups.

Pups (up to nine per litter) are born in the rainy season after a gestation period of 60 days. For the first three weeks, their mother will spend 90% of her time with them, relying on her mate to bring her food. By the time they are two to three months old, the pups are venturing out of the den.

Behavior: Golden jackals will only scavenge in their own territory. They are more than capable of chasing off vultures and keeping them at bay while they feed.

They will steal food from wild dogs and even hyenas, but are wary of lions. Pairs will often work together to distract the hyena. One annoys the hyena until it turns on it and then the other dashes in and grabs a morsel of food.

They share food with each other. Like most dogs, they bolt food down without chewing it.

Predators: Leopards, lions and spotted hyenas will sometimes catch and eat a jackal. Large eagles and snakes will prey on pups.

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