I began learning about golden jackals in the area around my house. As a child, I would often hear their howl in the evenings, and I always assumed they were made by foxes. It was only recently that I confirmed those sounds indeed belonged to golden jackals.
All the creatures around us live in mutual dependence, yet we often fail to recognize the role of golden jackals in this balance their interdependence with other species and the valuable services they provide to nature.
I started observing them in the quarry habitat near my home. They are usually seen in the early mornings and evenings, often in small groups. Like most wild animals, foxes tend to avoid human presence. So, observing and photographing them requires a lot of patience and caution. I had to wait for long periods before I could capture good images but the wait was well worth it. As I continued watching them, I realized how unique their lifestyle is compared to many other animals.
The jackal, a wild animal of the Canis genus, is also often misunderstood. Many people wrongly assume that jackals attack humans, but they are, in fact, harmless and misunderstood creatures. Jackals play a crucial role in agriculture by controlling pests such as rats and wild pigs, which damage crops. This makes them valuable allies to farmers.
Being nocturnal, jackals hunt at night and rest in the bushes during the day. They are omnivores, feeding on a variety of fruits and vegetables depending on the season. For instance, during summer, they enjoy eating mangoes and jackfruits. One reason people dislike jackals is that they sometimes prey on domesticated poultry, such as chickens. Apart from that, jackals rarely pose any threat to humans.
These animals live in groups and give birth in a den after mating. Interestingly, foxes often choose to give birth in a den originally made by porcupines, as these shelters offer better protection for the young. golden jackal pups, much like puppies, stay with their mothers until they are capable of hunting on their own.
Although there are often conflicts when domestic dogs and golden jackals encounter each other, they sometimes do mate. The offspring from such matings known as naayikurukkan are hybrid animals that are increasingly common in some regions. These hybrids usually have distinct coat colours and characteristics. However, their presence poses a threat to the purity and survival of the native golden jackal species. While not currently endangered, golden jackals face threats from habitat loss and persecution due to their reputation as poultry thieves. Conservation efforts focus on mitigating human jackal conflicts and protecting their natural habitats.
The golden jackal remains an integral part of India’s rich biodiversity. As we strive for coexistence, understanding and respect, this clever canid is key to its survival. As generalist survivor, the species is considered indicator for the health of an ecosystem. Its presence suggests a well-balanced environment with sufficient resources. Incorporating these facts into a propper documentation will provide readers with a deeper understanding of the golden jackal’s ecological and cultural importance in India.
