Golden Jackal
Canis aureus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Carnivora · Canidae
About
The golden jackal, also called the common jackal, is a wolf-like canid that is native to Eurasia. The golden jackal's coat varies in color from a pale creamy yellow in summer to a dark tawny beige in winter. It is smaller and has shorter legs, a shorter tail, a more elongated torso, a less-prominent forehead, and a narrower and more pointed muzzle than the Arabian wolf. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its widespread distribution and high density in areas with plenty of available food and optimum shelter.
Fun Fact
Golden jackals have recently expanded their range into northern Europe — reaching Finland and the Netherlands — making them the fastest-spreading large carnivore on the continent.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Open grasslands and scrublands
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
8-12 years
Threats
- Urban Expansion
- Overgrazing