Home › Mammalia › Canidae › Golden Jackal (Canis aureus)
SPECIES PROFILE
Golden Jackal (Canis aureus)
Canis
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
SE Europe, Middle East
DIET
Omnivorous
HABITAT
Wetlands, scrub, farmland
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Carnivora
FAMILY
Canidae
GENUS
Canis
📋 Description
SIZE
70-90 cm body, 6-15 kg
COLORATION
Golden-brown, pale belly
ADAPTATIONS
Opportunistic scavenger/hunter, adaptable
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Wetlands, scrub, farmland
DIET
Omnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
SE Europe, Middle East
REPRODUCTION
4-8 pups, 1 litter per year
DIET DETAILS
Rodents, birds, fruit, carrion
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss, persecution
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Golden jackals are highly adaptable and have expanded their range in Europe. They howl in choruses at night. They eat everything from rodents to fallen fruit.
2
They are often mistaken for wolves but are much smaller and more omnivorous.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Evros Delta Greece
Danube Delta Romania
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round (peak dusk/dawn)
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Listen for howling at night in coastal areas and wetlands.
