News– Environmentalists say that golden jackals appear to be adapting to their changing environment and are no longer avoiding humans.
About Golden Jackal
- The golden jackal, also referred to as the common jackal, is a medium-sized, wolf-like canid.
- Activity– In human-inhabited areas, they are strictly nocturnal, but in less-disturbed regions, they may exhibit partially diurnal behavior.
- Mating- They are monogamous, forming lifelong pairs.
- Diet-They are omnivorous and opportunistic foragers, consuming a diverse range of food.
- Habitat– These animals thrive in valleys, riverbanks, tributaries, canals, lakes, and coastal areas. However, they are less common in foothills and low mountainous regions.
- Distribution-They are widely distributed across North and East Africa, Southeastern Europe, and South Asia, extending to Burma. In India, they inhabit diverse landscapes, ranging from the Himalayan foothills to the Western Ghats.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN: Least Concern
- CITES: Appendix III
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India): Schedule I
- Ecological Significance– Golden jackals play a vital role in preserving the biodiversity of mangrove and grassland ecosystems.
