About Golden Jackal:

• The golden jackal, also known as the common jackal, is a medium-sized wolf-like canid.
• Scientific Name: Canis aureus
• They are small compared to their close relatives, wolves, and wild dogs.
• Distribution:  
  • They are widely distributed from North and East Africa to southeastern Europe and South Asia, including Burma.
  • They are abundant in valleys and along rivers and their tributaries, canals, lakes, and seashores, but are rare in foothills and low mountains.
  • They are quite widespread across India. Right from the Himalayan foothills, down to the Western Ghats, the Golden Jackal has a wide distribution.
• Features:
  • It has long, pointed ears and long hair.
  • The coat of the animal is rather coarse and not very long.
  • The tail is fluffy and long.
  • The coloration of their fur depends on the season of year and region, varying from yellow to pale gold with a brown tip.
  • They are monogamous, meaning they mate for life.
  • They are opportunistic omnivores that feed on both plants and meat.
  • They are territorial animals that hunt in groups. Their groups are known as packs.
  • Golden jackals stay nocturnal if they live in an area that humans inhabit. They remain under rocks for shelter during the day and come out at night. However, in other areas, they may be partly diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. 
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN: Least Concern
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule II