<P> Golden jackal, Canis aureus Side - striped jackal Canis adustus Black - backed jackal Canis mesomelas </P> <P> Jackals are medium - sized omnivorous mammals of the genus Canis, which also includes wolves and the domestic dog . While the word "jackal" has historically been used for many small canids, in modern use it most commonly refers to three species: the closely related black - backed jackal and side - striped jackal of sub-Saharan Africa, and the golden jackal of south - central Eurasia, which is more closely related to other members of the genus Canis . </P> <P> Jackals and coyotes (sometimes called the "American jackal") are opportunistic omnivores, predators of small to medium - sized animals and proficient scavengers . Their long legs and curved canine teeth are adapted for hunting small mammals, birds, and reptiles, and their large feet and fused leg bones give them a physique well - suited for long - distance running, capable of maintaining speeds of 16 km / h (9.9 mph) for extended periods of time . Jackals are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk . </P> <P> Their most common social unit is a monogamous pair, which defends its territory from other pairs by vigorously chasing intruding rivals and marking landmarks around the territory with their urine and feces . The territory may be large enough to hold some young adults, which stay with their parents until they establish their own territories . Jackals may occasionally assemble in small packs, for example, to scavenge a carcass, but they normally hunt either alone or in pairs . </P>

Is a jackal a carnivore herbivore or omnivore
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