Golden Jackal
Recent research has revealed Kerala hosts 20,000 to 30,000 Golden Jackals (Canis aureus naria). This extensive citizen science study combined public participation and scientific methods. It marks the species’ wide presence beyond forests, adapting well to human environments. The findings urge new conservation strategies across diverse landscapes.
Population and Study Methodology
The study was led by experts including P.S. Easa and involved over 2,200 participants. It recorded 5,000 sightings in 874 villages. This large-scale effort used citizen science combined with predictive modelling. It is one of the most detailed assessments of Golden Jackals in Kerala.
Habitat and Distribution
Contrary to common belief, only 2% of jackal sightings occurred in protected forests. Most jackals live in open lowlands below 200 metres elevation. Their habitats include coconut groves (24%), paddy fields (8%), rubber plantations (6%), rural settlements (10%), and urban areas (5.6%). They are found across Kerala except in some high-altitude and coastal zones like Western Ghats, Alappuzha coast and Attappady where habitats are unsuitable or competition is high. Isolated groups exist in Munnar and Eravikulam, showing some adaptation to higher altitudes.
Adaptability to Human Environments
Golden Jackals thrive near human settlements and urban spaces in cities such as Kannur, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram. Their ability to live close to humans reflects high ecological flexibility. This challenges traditional views of wildlife needing deep forests.
Human-Jackal Interactions
Most respondents (74.7%) do not see jackals as a nuisance. Many recognise their role in controlling pests like rodents and wild boars. However, concerns remain about poultry predation and rabies cases. The jackals’ growing dependence on organic waste, especially in coastal areas, raises ecological and public health issues.
Threats and Conservation Challenges
The study warns of hybridisation risks with stray dogs, threatening genetic purity. Urbanisation reduces open habitats, pressing jackal populations. Conservation policies need to extend beyond protected areas. Protection of open rural and urban spaces is essential. Public awareness and waste management improvements are critical. Ongoing scientific monitoring is necessary to track population trends and threats.
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