Tanzanian Safari Journal

Serengeti National Park: Mbweha

golden jackal by m wilkinson

Golden Jackals (Canis Aureus)

In Swahili, they are called mbweha. They are a very social member of the dog family and a most interesting animal to observe. While camping at Lake Lagarja, we had the good fortune to share our camp with Patricia Moehlman. Patricia is know as Mama Mbweha or Jackal Woman in Tanzania. Patricia took each of us out to her study site and shared with us a glimpse into the family life of the golden jackal.

We criss-crossed through their territories of 4 different family groups as we drove through her study site. Patricia uses her Land Rover as a moving blind and portable office. The jackals are used to her vehicle, so as she carefully approaches, they continue about their business undisturbed by our presence. The first individual we spotted was a solitary male. Patricia believed his mate was pregnant and possibly in the den. Next, we spotted 2 of 3 pups from a second family playing in the tall savannah grasses. Our next find was another lone male trotting along the road near his territory. In our last encounter we were able to see some of the more interesting behavior with a male and his pups.

The male had just returned from hunting when we spotted him. Immediately upon his return, two of his female pups approached in submissive posture. They held their heads low and almost crawled up to him. Then they began to lick his face to beg for food (left photo above). He regurgitated his catch for them, 3 times! After their feast he groomed each in turn (right photo above).

Text and Photographs by Wild Ones Director Michael Wilkinson

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