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Generalist predators characteristically switch prey in response to resource pulses. Ungulate population reinforcement through translocation provides stressed and vulnerable prey, and apex predator reintroduction provides carrion, both resources that can be exploited by generalist predators. We investigated the dietary response of black-backed jackal to two management interventions in the Karoo National Park, South Africa, namely the reinforcement of the springbok population, and then the reintroduction of lions. By analysing jackal diets from scats collected before and after each management intervention, we show that the relative per cent occurrence and biomass consumed of springbok increased in the diet following the population reinforcement of springbok. In contrast, large ungulates were more prevalent in the diet following apex predator reintroduction. These results suggest that jackals took advantage of a potentially vulnerable abundant springbok population following their population reinforcement, and then switched to foraging on carrion provided by reintroduced lions. These results provide insights into the dietary response of a generalist mesopredator to management interventions. A key lesson from the study is that the diet of generalist predators is context-dependent and should be interpreted in that light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite continued efforts to eradicate black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas), they are considered an abundant meso-predator on agricultural land across South Africa, resulting in ongoing human-wildlife conflict and concern for farmers and wildlife managers. We conducted a questionnaire survey and semi-formal interviews with farmers throughout KwaZulu-Natal, examining farmers' livestock husbandry, land-use changes and perspectives towards jackals as a perceived threat to livestock. Many (75%) respondents acknowledged expanding agricultural activities on their farmlands since the onset of their farming careers. However, the perception was that these changes placed little pressure on mesopredators as farmers reported frequent daily (25%) and weekly (31%) sightings of jackal, and regular predation on livestock (72%). Some landowners (31%) reported between one and five livestock losses annually and suggest that mitigation strategies to prevent livestock losses are in place. Farmers suggested the increasing intensity in agricultural practices provided a greater food source for jackals allowing them to thrive in expanding agricultural conditions and, in some circumstances, farmers admitted to possibly being a cause through poor disposal techniques for dead animals. Feedback from farmers emphasized the importance of having collaboration between farmers to control jackal predation and reduce human-wildlife conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vulture restaurants are used worldwide as a conservation tool to provide threatened vultures with a source of supplementary carrion free from anthropogenic contaminants such as poisons and veterinary drugs. While the impacts of supplementary feeding sites on ecosystem and scavenging community dynamics have been investigated in Europe, no information is currently available for southern Africa. This study presents evidence that providing supplementary carrion for vultures stimulated an increase in local abundance of two species of mammalian carnivores, the brown hyaena (Hyaena brunnea) and the black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas). These findings require that the wider impacts of providing supplementary carrion for conserving threatened species are fully investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the impact of black-backed jackal towards small carnivores, and prey. It mentions that the black-backed jackal is a mesocarnivore which inhabits two areas of the African continent. It reflects on the role of mesocarnivores in the ecosystem which is an animal whose diet consists of 50-70% meat with the balance consisting of non-vertebrate foods which may include fungi, fruits, and other plant material.

The extent to which black-backed jackals ( Canis mesomelas) selectively consume domestic sheep ( Ovis aries) compared to wild prey is unknown. Using faecal analysis and prey surveys, we determined the seasonal diet and prey selection of jackals on a small-livestock farm in South Africa. Sheep comprised 25-48% of the biomass consumed by jackals across seasons, and consumption peaked during the lambing seasons, indicating sheep often were the main food resource for jackals. Another main food resource was wild ungulates <50 kg, primarily springbok ( Antidorcas marsupialis) and steenbok ( Raphicerus campestris), which comprised 8-47% of the biomass consumed. Other important food items were mammals 1-3 kg (4-16%), which included hares ( Lepus spp.) and springhares ( Pedetes capensis), and small rodents (10-14%). Compared to the biomass available, jackals selectively consumed mammals 1-3 kg over sheep across all seasons, whereas wild ungulates <50 kg were selectively consumed over sheep in most seasons. Our results showed that jackals selectively consumed different food items throughout the year and that wild prey were consistently selected over sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the effect of the predators' presence to the dietary composition of the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve (KPGR) and the Great Fish River Reserve (GFRR) in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study collected 30 black-backed jackal scats and the diets were analyzed through chi-square G-tests. Results showed that mammal hair, plant matter, invertebrates were common in the collected scats which further suggest the active predation in fenced reserves.

The article reports on a technique for capturing and rapid handling of jackals without chemical immobilization. It is stated that the technique, unlike chemical immobilization, minimizes animal handling time and the chance of recovery accidents. As reported, wildlife researchers began trapping exercises at sunrise or in the late afternoon, when jackals Canis mesomelas, Canis adustus and Canis aureus, were active and visibility allowed them to monitor traps without the use of artificial lights. The technique allows for quick and efficient handling from an immediate release from the leg-hold traps to a quick release back to the wild.

The article presents information on a study which explains an observation of a successful hunting executed by black-backed jackals on an adult springbok. As reported, the act took place on December 18, 2005 at an artificial waterhole in the Etosha National Park in Namibia. It was observed that one springbok, which fell into the waterhole, initially managed to get out despite continuing attacks by the jackal. Soon thereafter, more black-backed jackals took part in the hunt which lasted approximately 5 minutes. During eating, a hierarchical behaviour among the jackals was established. One jackal, whose low rank was evident, was ousted away from the prey and was not allowed to take part until the others finished eating.

The article reports on the predation of adult Impala by a black-backed jackal. It states that the predation of large ungulates by Black-backed jackals has not been reported and they are supposed to feed on small preys. It reports that on 16 April, 2009, a single black-backed jackal was seen to prey and feed on an adult impala in Botswana. It concludes that a scarcity of carcasses might have prompted the jackal to prey on a large ungulate.

The article reports on the research concerning the predation on black-backed jackal by the African wild dogs. It was said that the interspecific predation is common among canid species in northern temperature regions, where a larger canids tends to kill and often suppress populations on smaller canids. An example of this is, wolves killing coyotes, red foxes and racoon dogs. In Africa on the other hand, the interspecific predation among carnivores, are the lions and spotted hyenas who are known to kill both African wild dogs and cheetahs.