The Ghost at the Fence Line
The Black-backed Jackal isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a highly intelligent, adaptable predator with a taste for everything from impala lambs to newborn calves. And on most South African game farms, it’s public enemy number one during lambing season.
Easily recognised by its rusty coat and charcoal “saddle,” this jackal is common throughout the bushveld, highveld, and Karoo. It moves low to the ground, rarely rests for long, and has the kind of instinct that makes it maddeningly hard to outsmart.
Why Jackals Matter to Game Managers
While apex predators like leopard or hyena are easier to identify and monitor, jackals operate under the radar:
- They hunt small to medium game, often targeting the young, weak, or isolated
- They scavenge, but don’t rely on carrion—they’ll happily kill
- They’re extremely difficult to fence out
- They breed quickly and pair for life, raising pups in dens hidden across your land
- A single jackal pair can decimate lamb or fawn populations if left unchecked
And they’re smart. They learn patterns, avoid baits, spot cameras, and hunt during twilight when you’re just finishing your sundowner.
Control vs Conservation: Where the Line Sits
Jackal control isn’t just a shooting spree—it requires smart population pressure management:
- Night shooting & call-ins are effective, but jackals wise up fast
- Trapping & den hunting during breeding season can lower numbers, but must be done responsibly
- Predator-proof lambing camps, paired with human presence, are vital during high-risk seasons
- Some landowners opt for natural balance, allowing apex predators to keep jackal numbers in check—but this comes with its own trade-offs
Whatever your approach, do it with strategy—not frustration.
Pro Tip for Trackers & Hunters
Fresh jackal spoor is small, clawed, and precise—often mistaken for a small dog. Look for them around carcass sites, lambing zones, and burnt patches where they search for rodents and reptiles.
Their calls? Unmistakable. That high-pitched yipping and cackling in the early hours? That’s the bushveld letting you know you’re not the only one hunting.
