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Species in News: Golden Jackals
Kerala’s golden jackals show adaptability to human-dominated landscapes
Context: A recent citizen science study led by the Aranyakam Nature Foundation has revealed that Kerala is home to an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 golden jackals. This makes it one of the most comprehensive assessments of the species in the state.
About
- Scientific name: Canis aureus
- Common name: Golden jackal
- Physical Characteristics: They are medium-sized canids with: Body length: 70–85 cm; tail: ~25 cm; height: ~40 cm. Their coat colour varies by region and season—ranging from yellow to pale gold with brown tips.
- Geographic Range: Found across North and East Africa, Southeastern Europe, South Asia, and extending to Burma. The subspecies Canis aureus naria is native to India, especially Kerala.
- Habitat: Prefers dry open terrain, short grasslands, and steppe environments.
- They are omnivorous and opportunistic foragers.
- Reproduction: Monogamous pairs; aided by helpers (non-breeding adults).
- Behaviour: The golden jackal’s basic social unit is a mated pair or a family group that includes helpers—adult offspring that stay with their parents for an additional year to assist in raising the next litter.
Ecological and Economic Importance
Positive Impacts:
- Ecosystem services: Scavenging roles around villages and towns helps control waste and reduce the spread of disease.
- Agricultural benefit: They suppress rodent and lagomorph populations, acting as natural pest controllers.
- Domestication potential: Hand-raised jackals can be tamed and behave similarly to domestic dogs, though they remain wary of strangers.
Negative Impacts:
- Crop raiding: Damage to corn, sugarcane, and watermelon fields.
- Livestock predation: Notably on Caracul sheep, requiring jackal-proof fencing.
- Rabies risk: They may serve as vectors; past reports include fatal attacks on children.
