Golden Jackal

About Golden Jackal:

• The golden jackal, also known as the common jackal, is a medium-sized wolf-like canid.
• It is strictly nocturnal in areas inhabited by humans, but may be partly diurnal elsewhere.
• They dig caverns for shelter, or use crevices in rocks, or caverns that were dug by other animals.
• They are monogamous, meaning they mate for life.
• Diet: Golden jackals are omnivores. These opportunistic foragers have a rather diverse diet.
• Habitat: These animals are abundant in valleys and along rivers and their tributaries, canals, lakes, and seashores, but are rare in foothills and low mountains.
• Distribution: North and East Africa, Southeastern Europe and South Asia to Burma.
• They are quite widespread across India. Right from the Himalayan foothills, down to the Western Ghats, the Golden Jackal has a wide distribution.
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN: Least Concern
  • CITES: Appendix III
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
• Threats: Habitat loss from encroachments and poor management threaten their survival. 
• Ecological Significance: Theyplay a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of mangrove and grassland ecosystems.

Q1: What are omnivores?

Omnivores are organisms that eat both plants and animals as part of their diet. They are adaptable feeders that can consume a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish.

Source: IE