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The quieter cousin of the black-backed jackal.
Favouring woodland and savanna edges across East Africa.
The side-striped jackal (Lupulella adusta) is a slender canid of the dog family (Canidae), named for the pale stripes along its flanks. It is the quiet, less conspicuous cousin of the black-backed jackal.
Preferring woodland and the edges of savanna, it moves with a softer, more secretive presence. Less vocal and less visible than its relatives, it thrives in the dappled shade where few other canids venture.
The side-striped jackal has carved out a niche the other jackals avoid — the moister woodland and savanna edges. Its darker, muted coat blends into dappled shade, and its quieter habits suit the dense cover it calls home.
More omnivorous than its cousins, it adds significant amounts of fruit and insects to its diet. This flexibility lets it thrive where prey is scarcer, making the side-striped jackal a master of the forest fringe.
A more omnivorous jackal, the side-striped jackal combines hunting with a heavy reliance on fruit, insects and carrion.
It hunts and forages alone or in pairs, working woodland edges and thickets with quiet patience.
The Side-striped Jackal is found across parts of Africa, with its main populations in eastern and, where applicable, southern regions. Its preferred habitat is Woodland & savanna edges.
It favours woodland & savanna edges, where cover, food and shelter are in balance. Protected national parks across East Africa help maintain stable populations.
In Tanzania, side-striped jackals are seen in woodland and along savanna edges, including parts of the Serengeti and Tarangire ecosystems.
The side-striped jackal can be seen in suitable woodland habitat in Tanzania. The table below gives a realistic guide to habitat suitability.
| Destination | Habitat suitability | Sightings |
|---|---|---|
| Tarangire | Good — acacia woodland | Possible |
| Serengeti edges | Suitable margins | Possible |
| Other woodland | Varies | Possible |
Side-striped jackals are present in suitable woodland habitat, but they are secretive and largely nocturnal, so individual sightings are never guaranteed.
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Less vocal and more secretive than other jackals.
Monogamous pairs share territories.
Nocturnal and crepuscular.
Heavy reliance on fruit and insects.
Dens in thickets and burrows.
Side-striped jackals form monogamous pairs. Both parents bring food to the den and care for the pups, and the young disperse to establish their own territories when mature.
Every feature of the Side-striped Jackal is finely tuned for life in woodland & savanna edges.
Vital statistics: body length approximately 65-80 cm long, weight 6-12 kg, lifespan typically around 8-10 yrs in the wild (longer in captivity).
How does the Side-striped Jackal compare with its fellow African carnivores?
| Feature | Side-striped Jackal | Black-backed Jackal | Golden Jackal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Lupulella adusta | Lupulella mesomelas | Canis aureus |
| Weight | 6-12 kg | 7-12 kg | 7-15 kg |
| Size | 65-80 cm long | 70-100 cm long | 60-85 cm long |
| Habitat preference | Woodland, savanna edges | Open plains, scrub | Open country |
| Diet emphasis | Fruit, insects, small mammals | Meat, carrion | Small prey, carrion |
| Lifespan | 8-10 yrs (wild) | 10-14 yrs (wild) | 8-10 yrs (wild) |
| Diet | Omnivore (fruit-heavy) | Carnivore | Omnivore |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Compare the Side-striped Jackal with Africa's other carnivores on their own species pages:
For such a side-striped jackal, the savanna holds many dangers. It is important to distinguish between predators of adults and the greater threats facing young animals.
Lions, leopards and spotted hyenas may kill adult side-striped jackals.
Pups face threats from eagles and other predators.
Least Concern does not mean the species has no conservation challenges. It means the species is not currently assessed in a higher IUCN threat category at the global level.
Widespread and adaptable, the side-striped jackal is listed as Least Concern across most of its range.
The pale stripe along each flank gives it its name.
It eats more fruit than any other African jackal.
It prefers woodland to open plains.
The quietest of the African jackals.
The side-striped jackal is the one you catch in peripheral vision — a grey shape at the woodland's edge. Slow down, switch off the engine, and it will often reward your patience.
A closer look at the Side-striped Jackal in its natural East African habitat — its striking appearance, habitat and behaviour are best appreciated up close.
No — the Side-striped Jackal is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though local populations can still face habitat pressure.
A more omnivorous jackal, the side-striped jackal combines hunting with a heavy reliance on fruit, insects and carrion.
Across woodland & savanna edges in Central & Southern Africa, including parts of Tanzania.
Yes — in suitable habitat such as Serengeti & Tarangire, Tanzania, although sightings vary by species and season.
Approximately 65-80 cm long in body length and 6-12 kg in weight.
It is quick over short distances, but relies on stealth and woodland cover rather than outright speed.
Activity patterns vary by species — some are active by day, others almost entirely at night. Nocturnal and crepuscular.
Lupulella adusta — a member of the Canidae family.
Key threats include habitat loss and local habitat changes, alongside natural predation.
Monogamous pairs share territories.
