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