​golden jackal | Canis aureus

Golden jackal or Indian jackal is the most widespread wild canid in the Indian sub-continent. Jackals are generalists that inhabit a wide range of habitats, from dense forests to urban cities. Although they are mostly scavengers, jackals occasionally hunt small- to medium-sized prey. 
Population Trend: stable
IUCN • least concern
CITES • appendix III
WLPA • schedule II

• ID Features ​• 

• Habitats ​• 

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AGRICULTURE FIELDS
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TEMPERATE FORESTS
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SCRUB HABITATS
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ROCKY OUTCROPS
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TROPICAL DRY FORESTS
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DRY OPEN HABITATS
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TROPICAL WET FORESTS
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URBAN SETTLEMENTS
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PRODUCTION AGROFORESTS
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RURAL SETTLEMENTS
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RAVINES/ MOUNDS
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WET GRASSLANDS
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COASTAL/ MANGROVES
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DRY GRASSLANDS
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RIPARIAN/ WETLANDS

• Distribution • 

Estimated occupancy of golden jackals across taluks/tehsils in India

• Score card •

Conservation score: 69 | Grade: B

Golden jackal populations are likely stable in India. But they are threatened by road-related mortality, competition with and disease-risk from free-ranging/domestic dogs, and poaching for illegal trade of body parts.
IMAGE CREDITS | COVER IMAGE: SANTOSH DODDAGOUDAR | PROFILE: NILESH BHADLA