![side-striped jackal side-striped jackal](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rn3ENmJjyeU/VH8BQkOUQaI/AAAAAAAAAKs/2d8FLvcrOIM/w1200-h630-p-k-no-nu/DSC_0139.jpg)
In the wild, fruit is taken exclusively in season, while in ruralised areas, it can account for 30% of their dietary intake. It frequently scavenges from campsites and the kills of larger predators. In the wild, it feeds largely on invertebrates during the wet season and small mammals, such as the springhare, in the dry months. It tends to forage solitarily, though family groups of up to 12 jackals have been observed to feed together in western Zimbabwe. The side-striped jackal tends to be less carnivorous than other jackal species, and is a highly adaptable omnivore whose dietary preferences change in accordance to seasonal and local variation.
![side-striped jackal side-striped jackal](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hj-euyUpMpY/maxresdefault.jpg)
Its carnassials are smaller than those of the more carnivorous black-backed jackal. The long, curved canines have a sharp ridge on the posterior surface, and the outer incisors are canine-like. Its dentition is well suited to an omnivorous diet. Due to its longer rostrum, its third upper premolar lies almost in line with the others, rather than at an angle. Its sagittal crest and zygomatic arches are also lighter in build. The side-striped jackal's skull is similar to that of the black-backed jackal's, but is flatter, with a longer and narrower rostrum. The boldness of the markings varies between individuals, with those of adults being better defined than those of juveniles.
![side-striped jackal side-striped jackal](https://houseofstamp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/TG13159B.jpg)
Indistinct white stripes are present on the flanks, running from elbow to hip. The back is darker grey than the underside, and the tail is black with a white tip. Shoulder height can range from 35 to 50 cm (14 to 20 in). Body mass ranges from 6.5 to 14 kg (14 to 31 lb), head-and-body length from 69 to 81 cm (27 to 32 in) and tail length from 30 to 41 cm (12 to 16 in). The side-striped jackal is a medium-sized canid, which tends to be slightly larger on average than the black-backed jackal. In 2019, a workshop hosted by the IUCN/SSC Canid Specialist Group recommends that because DNA evidence shows the side-striped jackal ( Canis adustus) and black-backed jackal ( Canis mesomelas) to form a monophyletic lineage that sits outside of the Canis/Cuon/Lycaon clade, that they should be placed in a distinct genus, Lupulella Hilzheimer, 1906 with the names Lupulella adusta and Lupulella mesomelas. A mitochondrial DNA sequence alignment for the wolf-like canids gave a phylogenetic tree with the side-striped jackal and the black-backed jackal being the most basal members of this clade, which means that this tree is indicating an African origin for the clade. Taxonomy and evolution Phylogenetic tree of the wolf-like canids with timing in millions of years Caninae 3.5 Ma 3.0 2.5 2.0 0.96 0.6 0.38Ĭarl Jakob Sundevall named the species Canis adustus in 1847. Parental Investment: altricial post-independence association with parents extended period of juvenile learning Key Reproductive Features: gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate) sexualĪverage age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male)Īverage age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female) Sexual maturity is reached around 6 to 8 months and dispersal follows at 11 months of age. The average gestation period lasts between 57 and 70 days. Litters range in size from 3 to 6 offspring however, evidence suggests that there may be some resorption of fetuses in the womb or other sorts of early reduction in the litter size, ultimately resulting in a litter of only 3 to 6. This usually takes place from June to July, or September to October. Mating occurs every year just before or during the rainy season. Side-striped jackals are among the few mammalian species in which the male and female mate for life hence they are monogamous.