Jackal Facts
Jackal Facts
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| Interesting Jackal Facts: |
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| Jackals vary in size depending on the species. On average, jackal can reach 15 to 35 pounds in weight and 15 to 20 inches in height at the shoulder. |
| Body of jackal is covered with golden, rust or silver-colored black fur. Jackals have bushy tail. |
| Jackals are opportunistic feeders. That mean that they will eat whatever is available. Jackals like to eat snakes and other reptiles, smaller gazelles, sheep, insects, fruit, berries and sometimes even grass. |
| Jackals sometimes eat remains of dead animals that were killed by large predators. |
| Jackals can live solitary life, be part of a couple or part of a large group, called pack. Life in pack ensures protection against predators and ensures cooperative hunt which results in killing of the larger prey. |
| Main predators of jackals are leopards, hyenas and eagles. Young animals are especially easy target of eagles. |
| Jackals are territorial animals. They mark and defend their territory fiercely. |
| Jackals are fast animals. They can run 40 miles per hour, but they usually run only 10 miles per hour for longer periods of time. |
| Jackals are very vocal animals. They use wide variety of sounds to communicate. Most notable sounds include: yips, howls, growls and "owl-like hoots". Siren-like howl is produced when the food is located. |
| Jackals respond only to the sounds produced by the members of their family. They ignore all other calls. |
| Mating season depends on the geographic distribution of jackals. Those living in Africa mate during October, jackals in Southeast Europe mate in December, while those living in India mate throughout the whole year. |
| Jackals mate for lifetime (they are monogamous). Pregnancy in females lasts around 2 months and ends usually with 2 to 4 cubs. Large litters may consist of up to 9 cubs. |
| Babies are born in a hidden underground den, rock crevices or caves. Mother changes location of the den every two weeks to prevent large predators from finding her babies. Babies are blind first 10 days of their life. |
| In the first couple of months, youngsters depend on the mother's milk and meat regurgitated by other family members. At the age of 6 months, youngsters will learn how to hunt on their own. Older pups take care of younger pups to increase their chances of survival. |
| Jackals can survive 8 to 9 years in the wild and up to 16 years in captivity. |
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