jackal

After their mother was shot by a farmer, 6 Black-backed Jackal pups were taken to a safe haven where they have been protected and will soon be released to boost populations.

 

Hectorspruit, Mpumalanga – Last year we shared the story of 6 Black-backed Jackal pups that were rescued after their mother was killed. They were found covered in ticks and fleas, and severely dehydrated. The Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation rushed to their aid and transported them to be raised and rehabilitated by Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Hectorspruit.

The pups received regular injections, vaccinations against Rabies and other diseases. They were also given love and care, which made sure the animals were healthy and ready for full rehabilitation. Also, they were joined by two females from another facility, and have since formed a strong family unit pack.

Local Ecological experts identified a reserve in need of Jackals and last week; the six young adults were moved to their pre-release enclosure, to enable them to get used to their new environment before final release to freedom.

“Jackals, especially Black-backed Jackals, are one of the most misunderstood species among the Wildlife of the world. They are the cleaners of the eco-system, controlling rodent populations, and targeting weak or diseased animals to feast on, thus removing disease-causing bacteria from the environment.

Known and reviled for being the vectors of diseases like rabies, and their less endearing habits of targeting pregnant and compromised livestock, they are mercilessly shot, poisoned and trapped. Extermination happens to the extent that there are now pockets of extinction, where there clever canids have been completely eradicated. These areas experience the results of the Jackals not being present, manifesting as exploding populations of animals such as rats, mice, mongooses to name a few. This imbalance in turn results in other problems for the fragile ecosystems.”

Returning Jackals to the areas they were once present will help improve the ecosystem. This fact will be proven once the Jackals are released back into the wild.

“Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation supplied and fitted a state-of-the-art geo tagging collar to the Alpha Male, to enable the tracking of their integration into their new habitat. Nicknamed ‘Jack’, he was the only animal to be sedated for safety reasons while we ensured proper fitment of the collar.”

The Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation is thankful to every person and organisation that worked to save these pups. They are especially grateful to their donors who have helped fund the rescue and rehabilitation process.

“To Jack and his family, and their soon to be final journey of freedom: Run free, run straight, and may you finally experience the freedom of the veld, like all wildlife are supposed to.”

Take a look at their journey below.


Sources: Facebook
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About the Author

Tyler Leigh Vivier is a writer for Good Things Guy.

Her passion is to spread good news across South Africa with a big focus on environmental issues, animal welfare and social upliftment. Outside of Good Things Guy, she is an avid reader and lover of tea.

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