The Black-backed Jackals Canis mesomelas living near Nossob Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park, South Africa, have learned to ambush the doves coming daily in the hundreds to the local waterholes. Once caught in mid-air, the bird has to be swallowed quickly - usually whole - to avoid it being stolen by other jackals nearby. With each individual following a tried and tested routine, the jackals are quite successful in their hunting, and what is even more remarkable is that their methods are being transmitted to other jackals, by active teaching or by observation and imitation.

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