A large-scale citizen science study reveals that Golden Jackals in Kerala predominantly inhabit open and human-dominated landscapes, not forests.

• Title of Study: The Uncelebrated Wanderers: Unravelling the Mysteries of Kerala’s Golden Jackals.
• Conducted by Aranyakam Nature Foundation.

Key Findings from the Study

• Population Estimate: Kerala is home to 20,000–30,000 Golden Jackals (Canis aureus naria). 
• Preferred Habitats:  Coconut groves, Paddy fields, Rubber plantations, Rural settlements, Urban areas
• Habitat Preferences 
  • Low Forest Association: Only 2% of sightings occurred in protected forest areas.
  • Altitude Range: Jackals predominantly occupy open lowlands below 200 m elevation.
• Geographical Distribution in Kerala:
  • Sparse presence in Western Ghats, Alappuzha coast, and Attappady due to unsuitable habitats or competition.
  • Isolated sightings in Munnar and Eravikulam, indicating some adaptability to higher altitudes
  • Frequent sightings in urban districts: Kannur, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram.
• Public Perception
  • 74.7% of survey respondents do not consider jackals a nuisance.
  • Jackals acknowledged for pest control (e.g., rodents, wild boars).

Challenges / Concerns

• Human-Wildlife Conflict:
• • Poultry predation and rabies cases reported.
  • Increasing reliance on organic waste, especially in coastal areas, raising Public health risks and Ecological concerns
• Hybridisation Threat: Risk of genetic dilution due to interbreeding with stray dogs.

Recommendations

• Conservation Policy Shift: Recognise and protect non-forest habitats, especially open and peri-urban areas.
• Waste Management: Improve disposal systems to limit jackal dependence on anthropogenic waste.
• Public Awareness: Promote community engagement to mitigate conflicts and enhance tolerance.
• Scientific Monitoring: Continue population and genetic studies to track ecological and evolutionary trends.

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