Golden jackal - Canis aureus

Size
Males: 9-15 kg
Females: 8-12 kg

Reproduction
Mating: February-April
Birth: April-June
Litter size: 3-12, normally 4-8

Diet
Very opportunistic, feeding mainly on small mammals, carrion, and antropogenic food sources like garbage and slaughter remains. The diet can also include fruits and berries, and occasionally medium sized mammals, birds or even young livestock.

Social organisation
Territorial groups.

Home ranges
8-15km2

Golden jackal. Photo © Andrea Bonetti Nestos

 

Threats:
The main identified threats are legal culling, deliberate illegal killing and indiscriminate poisoning. Traffic accidents are also important throughout the species range. Local changes in animal husbandry and waste management may locally reduce anthropogenic resource availability and agricultural intensification may reduce necessary habitat cover. Despite these threats, the species is very successful in human-dominated landscapes. 

Population status:
There is little precise data on jackal numbers, but experts estimate that the European population is likely to be around 150.000 individuals. Jackals are currently expanding into central, western and northern Europe.

Distribution:

 

Link - LCIE Status Assessment 2017-2022/23