Super Jackals

Note that although this is a sensitive subject, there are no graphic details, only interesting facts.

There are many mysteries and legends surrounding wildlife. Some are based on truth, others on lore that has been passed down through the ages. Black-backed jackals are super smart – and strategic. To the point that, although they reach sexual maturity at eleven months, their breeding is suppressed until an individual finds a mating partner and the pair has established its own territory. A little like humans! Even in African folktales, they are known as the smart trickster. Where there is direct conflict, these animals become strictly nocturnal to avoid persecution. Their intelligence and ability to adapt has led to them surviving where many other species would have been eradicated.

Humans are a jackal’s worst enemy. Sometimes, merely because their pelt is attractive. According to SANBI, between 1914 and 1917, 282 134 jackal pelts (nearly 50 000 a year) were harvested in South Africa. Worse than this fur trade, is the war between farmers and jackals. Black-backed jackals are the predator that causes the most livestock losses for sheep and goat farmers, especially during the lambing season.

When animals become stock thieves it is inevitable that they are going to have to be controlled. This is extremely difficult with jackals as they readily learn to avoid human activity, traps and poisoned bait. What is fascinating about black-backed jackals is that they learn by watching other black-backed jackals. So, if another sniffs and rejects bait which has been poisoned, it will do the same. Or it may only eat a small amount of poisoned meat – just enough to make it sick, but not kill it, thus driving the lesson home. This behaviour is obviously really important between mates, and even more so between mother and off-spring. Some jackals have become so skilled at this that they are referred to as “Super Jackals”. These mothers will raise their cubs as “Super Jackals” as well, who thrive at the expense of their less astute neighbours, increasing the numbers of super jackals until it is no longer possible to control them effectively. This is the problem created by ‘blanket control measures’ like poisoning. What is bizarre is that culling predators is actually associated with greater livestock losses the following year, indicating that lethal control is counter-productive! 

Although illegal, agricultural pesticides are still used against predators because they are cheap, silent and immediately effective – but only in the extremely short-term, as seen above. However, they have devastating consequences for non-target species through secondary poisoning – especially scavengers such as vultures, crows, and mongooses. The use of poison to eliminate predators is causing African vulture populations to collapse. Unintentional poisoning occurs when vultures consume poisoned baits set out for other species or when they consume carcasses of animals that have died from poisoning.  

There are many alternative methods that farmers can employ, but the one that I find the most fascinating is the use of what are known as Livestock Guarding Dogs (LGDs). These are quite simply a dog type bred for the purpose of protecting livestock from predators. The best-known examples of this in Africa are the Anatolian Shepherd and the Kangal dogs and their work with the cheetah. Originally from Turkey, these dogs are smart, independent thinkers, and have been at work protecting livestock for over 6,000 years. These incredible animals are bred and raised on the model farm at Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia and are given free or for a nominal fee to Namibian farmers when the puppies are about eight weeks old. These pups bond with their herds and bark loudly whenever they see a cheetah or predator, scaring the aggressor away. The results? Most farmers report an 80% to 100% reduction in livestock kills by cheetahs and other predators. Similar programs have now been launched in Botswana, South Africa and Tanzania.

As with most things in life, local solutions are better for local problems. What is truly exciting is that livestock farmers in Botswana are using a variety of breeds for this purpose, including local landrace (a breed of animal that’s developed over time to suit the conditions of a particular locality) “Tswana” dogs. Tswana guarding dogs are cheaper to purchase and feed than their purebred counterparts. A local study showed that, irrespective of breed, all LGDs reduced livestock losses, with a minimum of 47.9% of farmers experiencing no losses after obtaining a guarding dog. Isn’t that wonderful? Such a simple solution and completely ecofriendly…

It is our duty as the current guardians of this beautiful planet to research, search and seek other solutions of this calibre, rather than continue with devastating solutions that ultimately don’t work…

Jacqui Ikin & The Cross Country Team