Side by Side…

We were treated to a truly rare and special sighting of 2 Side Striped Jackals in the final stages of mating yesterday morning.

I am busy guiding the Kalan Family for 2 weeks and we have been treated to some really special sightings so far.

Arnold and Joan have been visiting and exploring Africa for over 20 years and it is a priveledge to drive people so passionate about our continent and her wildlife. Mike, their son and his wife Debra have just joined us for the second week. Their last safari was 11 years ago so they are long overdue and more passionate than ever!

We were on our way to view a Leopard yesterday when we came across these 2 Side Striped Jackals which looked like they were stuck together??

Nevertheless all the questions began flying around!!

Are they stuck?

Siamese twins? Wow! They have survived along time stuck together!

Are they mating?

After at least 5 minutes of snarling at each other they suddenly broke away and ran in opposite directions.

Abraham my tracker has not seen this in over 20 years in the bush, I have certainly never seen it before and chatting to Duncan back at the lodge he has also never witnessed such behaviour.

The mammal books were hauled out and Google was expertly operated by Louise to find the answer.

It turns out when the dog family mate, the male’s penis base (Bulbus glandis) swells during intromission. The female vulval entrance also swells, effectively locking the animals together.

The male will cock a leg over the female’s back and they stand back to back until swelling subsides, usually 1 to 2 minutes. We witnessed this for at least 5 minutes, so these 2 were locked for an unusually long time.

This apparently ensures that sperm is transferred effectively in a single mating session! The animals stand back to back to look for danger while they are in this vulnerable position.

A rare moment witnessed and appreciated by us all, none more deserving than Arnold and Joan with so many years spent visiting the Arican bush.