• Mammals |
  • Predators |
  • Side-striped jackal

 

Side-striped jackal

(Canis adustus)

lion
 

Shoulder height:

±40cm / 15.8in

Weight:

8-12kg / 17.6-26.5lbs

Food:

Very varied: includes young antelope, birds, rodents, insects and scavenging

Habitat:

Prefers relatively wet, wooded habitats

Social behaviour:

Generally lives in pairs and small family groups, but are often seen on their own

Active:

Both night and day, but more so at night

Sightings:

Rare


Side-striped jackals (named after the white stripes on the sides of their bodies) are not as often seen as their cousin the black-backed jackal. They also prefer different habitats –  generally more wet and wooded, than the dry, open plains where black-backed jackals thrive.

Side-striped jackals are seen in the early mornings and late afternoons and have a habit of looking at you once spotted –   before bolting away at a great pace.


Back to main mammals page


How to find side-striped jackals in the Kruger National Park:

Stay at these camps:
Letaba
Mopani
Pretoriuskop

Drive these roads:
S131 gravel road
Any road near Mopani

Top tips:
Search for side-striped jackals in the mopaneveld habitats of northern Kruger.

Don't mistake them for the more common black-backed jackals. They appear a bit larger and are often more shy than their smaller, black-backed cousins.



© Copyright 2013 go!
Incorrect username or password

Forgot password?

If you register you can:

  • Share your travel stories and tips
  • Upload your photos
  • Talk to other Go readers online
  • Seek advice
  • Save all your web favourites
  • Participate in the Go test panel