The black-backed jackal is actually common in the Fourways area, and many of them live in parks and other open areas – they mostly feed on insects and small mammals and can be heard calling each other late at night.
Johannesburg, South Africa (05 February 2021) – From Hippos to genets, porcupines, dassies and now even jackals… the suburbs of Fourways is filled with Wildlife!
And usually, the smaller animals (not the recent Hippo) live side-side with humans without us even knowing they are around, but our built-up development is a bigger concern as many that find themselves in these urban areas or estates are killed by electricity, pylons, vehicles, dogs, and poison.
So on the 30th of January 2021 when Wendy Brodie – one of the senior volunteers at “Friends of Free Wildlife” – received a frantic call from Lorian Mumford about a black-backed jackal that had found its way into her home in Fourways, she knew that it needed to be rescued and released somewhere a little safer.
“Friends of Free Wildlife is a Volunteer Community Organisation that will Rescue, Rehabilitate and Release Urban Wildlife.”
Wendy quickly communicated the plea for help to their Senior Animal Manager, Claudius Sibanda.
“Claudius is extremely experienced in these situations and immediately organised a transport box and all the relevant equipment needed to capture the confused and distressed animal.”
Fortunately, the jackal was confined in the small room, so capturing it with Claudius’ expertise was a quick process. After examining the jackal for injuries and assessing its condition, Claudius decided it was in good health and that the best plan was to release it, as soon as possible, into a safe area, away from suburbia. The jackal is now free and wild in a safe location away from traffic and domestic dogs
The black-backed jackal is actually common in the Fourways area, and many of them live in parks and other open areas. Black-backed jackals are omnivores, and they mostly feed on invertebrates, such as beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, termites, millipedes, spiders, and scorpions. They also feed on small mammals, such as rodents, birds, lizards and snakes.
Mainly nocturnal, the mammals can often be heard late at night in the suburbs.
If you do come across a black-backed jackal (or any other wild animal) in need of help, please contact Friends of Free Wildlife by clicking here.
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