Tug of War

Mashatu guests on a photographic workshop in March got to put their lessons to practice with some action photography. While out on drive, accompanied by photographer Trevor Kleyn, they came across a black-backed jackal that had recently killed a young impala.

Jackals are omnivorous eating almost anything that is available. They are also opportunistic hunters and although mostly will hunt insects, lizards and rodents, they will also take on small antelope if the opportunity presents itself.

It did not take long for other opportunistic feeders to spot the action and within moments of arriving at the sighting the vultures came in and chased the jackal off the kill. He retreated but not for long. Not prepared to give up his meal that he caught himself, he came back in and managed to chase of the vultures and grab the carcass and move it off where he continued eating. When he’d had his fill he picked up the head and ran off with his trophy.