Side-striped Jackal

Afrikaans name: Witkwasjakkals

Side-striped Jackal

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Canis adustus

The Side-striped Jackal has a limited distribution in South Africa. It is only found in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal and the Mpumalanga portion of Kruger National Park. Its habitat preference is woodlands with plenty of water. The Black-backed Jackal is far more common in South Africa and could be found in virtually any part of the country.

Side-striped Jackals are around 38 cm tall at the shoulder which is the same as the Black-backed Jackal. They are, however, much more heavily built. Males can weigh over 9 kg with females being a bit lighter. Their general colouration is greyish buff with a lighter coloured stripe on its flanks. The tail is dark and bushy with a white tip.

Now here is an interesting fact. This Jackal is mainly vegetarian! Their diet is made up mostly of fruit, mealies, seeds, and peanuts but they will catch small birds and mammals as well as insects at times.

The Side-striped Jackal is a solitary animal that is active at night. The female gives birth to up to six young towards the end of winter or early summer. They stay with their mother for around 11 months. Although these jackals tend to live solitary lives, they do pair for life.

References and further reading

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 202

Wild Issue 32 - Author: - Published: 2015 - Page: 25

Tracks and Tracking in Southern Africa - Author: Louis Liebenberg - Published: 2000 - Page: 73

The Smaller Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. De V. Pienaar et al - Published: 1980 - Page: 83

The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa - Author: P. Briggs - Published: 2020 - Page: 320

Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 67

The Mammal Guide of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 2011 - Page: 132

Signs of the Wild - 5th Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1996 - Page: 54

Predators of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Grobler, Hall-Martin & Walker - Published: 2012 - Page: 16

Signs of the Wild - 3rd Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1986 - Page: 61

Mammals of the Kruger and other National Parks - Author: The National Parks Board - Published: 1980 - Page: 42

Maberlys Mammals of Southern Africa - Revised edition - Author: Richard Goss - Published: 1986 - Page: 123

Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 1987 - Page: 17

Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Published: 1986 - Page: 108

Kruger National Park Questions and Answers - Author: P.F. Fourie - Published: 1987 - Page: 293

Field Guide to the Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. de V. Pienaar et al. - Published: 1987 - Page: 70

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 417

Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 2001 - Page: 124

Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1997 - Page: 234

Chris and Tilde Stuarts Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 1st Edit - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1988 - Page: 124

An Introduction to the Larger Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Joanna Dalton - Published: 1987 - Page: 45

A Field Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Southern and East African Wildlife - 3rd - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 2000 - Page: 42

A Field Guide to the Mammals of Africa including Madagascar - Author: Theodor Haltenorth and Helmut Diller - Published: 1980 - Page: 174

Animal Diversity Web

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List of South African Mammals