Main Characteristics

Golden Jackals are the largest species of Jackal. They have a body length between 60 and 110 cms (23.5 - 43 inches), a tail length between 20 and 30 cms (8 - 12 inches) and they weigh between 7 and 15 kgs (15 - 33 lbs). They are yellowish/gold in colour and their coat darkens in winter.

Habitat

Golden Jackals can be found in the dry grasslands and steppe of south east Europe, north and east Africa and west to south east Asia.

Diet

Golden Jackals mainly feed on rodents, young gazelle, hares, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, eggs, fruit and carrion.

Breeding

After a gestation period of 60 - 63 days, Golden Jackals give birth to a litter of 1 - 9 young. They are weaned at 4 months and they reach sexual maturity between 1 and 2 years of age.

Predators

Predators of Golden Jackals include wolves, leopards and humans.

Subspecies

There are 13 subspecies of Golden Jackal:

Canis aureus algirensis
Canis aureus anthus
Canis aureus aureus
Canis aureus bea
Canis aureus cruesemanni
Canis aureus ecsedensis
Canis aureus indicus
Canis aureus lupaster
Canis aureus moreotica
Canis aureus naria
Canis aureus riparius
Canis aureus soudanicus
Canis aureus syriacus

Interesting Facts

Golden Jackals are also known as:
Common Jackal
Asiatic Jackal
Oriental Jackal

Aureus means golden in Latin.

Similar Animals

Coyote
Dingo
Dhole
Grey Wolf
Maned Wolf
African Wild Dog
Side-Striped Jackal
Black-Backed Jackal