Genus Lupulella the African Jackals

Lupulella is a genus of canine found in Africa. This genus consists of only two extant species, the black-backed jackal (Lupulella mesomelas) and the side-striped jackal (Lupulella adusta). The two species had previously been considered members of the genus Canis. In 2017, a taxonomic review recommended that these two species be recognised as genus Lupulella

Kaffa Side-striped Jackal (Lupulella adustus kaffensis) - seen in the Bale Mountains Ethiopia. Identity is still in debate and is possibly either a hybrid or a new species? I am currently considering it to be the Kaffa Side-striped Jackal as there are no other fits currently. Map to the right is the distribution of Side-striped Jackals in general.

The Black-backed Jackal (Lupulella mesomelas), also called the silver-backed jackal, is a medium-sized canine native to eastern and southern Africa. These regions are separated by roughly 900 kilometers.

One region includes the southernmost tip of the continent, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. The other area is along the eastern coastline, including Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. It is listed by the IUCN as least concern, due to its widespread range and adaptability, although it is still persecuted as a livestock predator and rabies vector.

Compared to other members of the genus Canis, the black-backed jackal is a very ancient species, and has changed little since the Pleistocene, being the most basal wolf-like canine, alongside the closely related side-striped jackal. It is a fox-like animal with a reddish brown to tan coat and a black saddle that extends from the shoulders to the base of the tail. It is a monogamous animal, whose young may remain with the family to help raise new generations of pups. The black-backed jackal has a wide array of food sources, feeding on small to medium-sized animals, as well as plant matter and human refuse.

East African Black-backed Jackal (Lupulella mesomelas schmidti)

Cape Black-backed Jackal (Lupulella mesomelas mesomelas)