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 |