Golden jackal

Scientific Name

Canis aureus

IUCN Status

Least Concern (LC)

Weight

8-10 kg

Length

70-85 cm

Range

Most states of India, north and east Africa, south-eastern Europe, Middle Est, south Asia

Habitat Type

Dry, open habitats, grasslands, periphery of settlements, deciduous and evergreen forests

Threats

Poaching and rapid urbanisation

Did You Know

It is the most widely distributed species of jackal.

Also Known As

Indian jackal

IUCN Status

Least Concern (LC)

Weight

8-10 kg

Length

70-85 cm

Range

Most states of India, north and east Africa, south-eastern Europe, Middle Est, south Asia

Habitat Type

Dry, open habitats, grasslands, periphery of settlements, deciduous and evergreen forests

Threats

Poaching and rapid urbanisation

Did You Know

It is the most widely distributed species of jackal.

Also Known As

Indian jackal

Through videos, stories, infographics and more, here's a deep dive into the world and life of the golden jackal

Deep Dive

Photos, stories, videos and everything you want to know

Golden Jackal: Wandering Howler of Indian Jungles and Backyards Learn More chevron_right
7 Results
The Wild Beside Us: Golden Jackals of Kalapur
Video
The Wild Beside Us: Golden Jackals of Kalapur
Biont
Sustain Team
In the bamboo groves beyond the rice fields of Kalapur, West Bengal, a golden jackal mother is hiding in the wilderness with her cubs. As the villagers sleep, the nocturnal jackals set out to hunt and scavenge, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
By
Biont
Sustain Team
Video
When Golden Jackals Swim Across the Karli River
Wild Vault
When Golden Jackals Swim Across the Karli River
Saloni Sawant
Hemant Sawant
In southern Maharashtra, jackals swim from the mangrove-lined riverine Hopkins Island where they live, across the Karli River, to the mainland and back
By
Saloni Sawant
Hemant Sawant
Wild Vault
Golden Jackal: Resourceful Canids in Tezu Botanical Garden
Wild Vault
Golden Jackal: Resourceful Canids in Tezu Botanical Garden
Nishanth Srinivas
Occupying a wide range of habitats in India, these wild omnivores are good hunters, but also live near large human settlements where they scavenge at dumpsites
By
Nishanth Srinivas
Wild Vault
Jack of all Tastes: The Versatile Golden Jackal
Photo Story
Jack of all Tastes: The Versatile Golden Jackal
Sustain Team
Adaptability is the key to this resilient wild canid. It adjusts quickly to changes, and survives in forests, mangroves and even airports
By
Sustain Team
Photo Story
Golden Jackals Find Shelter at Airports
News
Golden Jackals Find Shelter at Airports
Gurvinder Singh
Grasslands in and around airports in Kolkata and Guwahati offer refuge to these canids
By
Gurvinder Singh
News
Golden Jackal: Facts, Diet, Habitat
Infographic
Golden Jackal: Facts, Diet, Habitat
Nisarg Prakash
Diviya Mehra
All you need to know about this widely-distributed canid
By
Nisarg Prakash
Diviya Mehra
Infographic
Golden Jackal: Wandering Howler of Indian Jungles and Backyards
Species
Golden Jackal: Wandering Howler of Indian Jungles and Backyards
Malaika Mathew Chawla
The golden jackal, found in almost every habitat in the country, has inspired folk stories and songs, but also a few questionable practices that have led to poaching of the wild canid
By
Malaika Mathew Chawla
Species