BLACK-backed jackals are not always appreciated in southern Africa. Many farmers view the animal as livestock-predating vermin, and sport hunters will often shoot them on sight.
Several hunting websites point out that the jackal is “probably the most detested predator of all because of its killing lust”. But you might also argue that these animals are legitimate scavengers that provide vital bush services by clearing the veld of rotting meat. Nights in the African wild would certainly be empty without their evocative cry. Dale Morris’s portrait of two black-backed jackals portrays how striking these animals can be and takes November’s top honours. The image also bags Morris a cool R5 000 in cash from the Sunday Times. Morris is our final monthly winner in the 2012 Sunday Times Lifestyle/Green Life Photographer of the Year Awards — but that’s not to say the competition is now closed. You have until DECEMBER 10 to enter your best environmental shots and stand a chance of being named the year’s overall winner, or one of two runners-up. After all, R140 000 in photographic gear from Canon could be yours. Visit www.facebook.com/stgreenlife, and click the “like ” button at the top of the page. Good luck!
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