Social interactions of black-backed jackals canis mesomelas in the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park

Abstract

Social interactions among black-backed jackals are recognised as amicable, agonistic and aggressive. Allogrooming within a jackal pair is common, and a fixed "greeting" ceremony takes place between the pair members. Agonistic postures are well-developed, and closely follow the typical canine pattern, with minor characteristics specific to black-backed jackals. A behaviour pattern which is apparently rare in canines, is described - the submissive animal rests its forelegs on the rump of the dominant. Body-slamming is common. Occasionally submissive animals hide in order to avoid interactions with dominant ones. Submission is not stereo-typed, but is graded into a number of steps. It would appear that the intensity of submissive postures is at least in part determined bv the degree of dominance of the superior animal Black-backed jackals have a well-developed social life.