side-striped jackal
Quick Summary
The side-striped jackal (Canis adustus) is a common African jackal. It is a wolflike carnivore belonging to the dog genus, Canis, within the family Canidae.12
Jackals are known for their scavenging habits, often following larger predators like lions to feed on carcasses. They are nocturnal hunters, typically active at dusk, and can be found alone, in pairs, or in packs. Their diet includes small animals, plant material, and carrion.23
The side-striped jackal is grayish in color, with a white-tipped tail and an indistinct stripe on each side. They inhabit open country and are known to sing at evening, a cry that is considered dismaying to human ears.2
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
