Jackals

Common Name:   Black-backed Jackal
Binomial Name:   Canis mesomelas
Identification:   Dog-like appearance. Dark, white-flecked “saddle” on back. Black tail. Fairly large, pointed, reddish-backed ears.
Weight:   Males +/- 10 kg (22 lbs), females +/- 10 kg (22 lbs)
Gestation:   2 months
Young:   Litter of 1-6 pups (usually 3)
Habitat:   Wide habitat tolerance, from coastal deserts to the moist Drakensberg Mountains. They prefer drier areas.
Diet:   Extremely wide range of food items, from young antelope, rodents, hares, birds, reptiles and insects to wild fruits and berries. They will also feed on carrion.
Red List Status:   Least Concern

Common Name:   Side-striped Jackal
Binomial Name:   Canis adustus
Identification:   Overall grey appearance with a light-and-dark stripe along each side. Lacks the “saddle” typical of the Black-backed Jackal. Ears fairly large, but smaller and less pointed than those on the Black-backed Jackal.
Weight:   Males +/- 10 kg (22 lbs), females +/- 10 kg (22 lbs)
Gestation:   2 months
Young:   Litter of 4-6 pups
Habitat:   Preference for well-watered wooded areas, but not forest.
Diet:   Omnivorous species, taking a wide variety of food items from small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and carrion to wild fruits.
Red List Status:   Least Concern