The golden jackal (Canis aureus) is a medium-sized, omnivorous canine found across India, especially in mangrove ecosystems. Known for its nocturnal behavior, it plays a vital ecological role in maintaining biodiversity. It is listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN and protected under India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
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Golden jackals with an estimated population of 80,000 across India, are commonly found in the mangroves lining the Mumbai Metropolitan Region's coastline.
The golden jackal, also known as the common jackal, is a medium-sized wolf-like canine.
Activity: They are strictly nocturnal in areas inhabited by humans, but may exhibit semi-diurnal behavior in less disturbed areas.
Mating: They are monogamous, forming lifelong pairs.
Diet: They are omnivorous and opportunistic foragers, consuming a wide variety of food.
Habitat: These animals thrive in valleys, riverbanks, tributaries, canals, lakes, and coastal areas. However, they are less common in the foothills and low mountain areas.
Distribution: They are widely distributed in northern and eastern Africa, southeastern Europe, and southern Asia, as far as Burma. In India, they inhabit a diverse landscape, from the foothills of the Himalayas to the Western Ghats.
Protection status:
Ecological importance: The golden jackal plays a vital role in maintaining the biodiversity of mangrove and grassland ecosystems.
Jackals are canids native to Africa and Eurasia. While the word jackal has historically been used for many canines of the subtribe canina, in modern use it most commonly refers to three species: the closely related black-backed jackal and side-striped jackal of Central and Southern Africa, and the golden jackal of south-central Europe and Asia. The African golden wolf was also formerly considered a jackal.
Their most common social unit is a monogamous pair, which defends its territory from other pairs by vigorously chasing intruders and marking landmarks around the territory with their urine and feces.
Jackals may occasionally assemble in small packs, for example, to scavenge a carcass, but they normally hunt either alone or in pairs.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Consider the following statements about Golden Jackal:
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: b Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The Golden Jackal is widely distributed across India including the plains and lower regions of the Himalayas rather than being confined to the Western Ghats or northeastern region. Statement 2 is correct. The Golden Jackal is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. |
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