Mammals · Carnivora · Canidae

Golden Jackal

Canis aureus

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

It is monogamous and pairs for life, often supported by 'helpers': pups from an earlier litter that stay on an extra year to help raise the young without breeding themselves.

Weight

6 kg – 15 kg

Size

70 cm – 85 cm

Lifespan

8 years

Diet

Omnivore

Combines animal and plant food depending on availability.

Activity

Irregular activity

Active at irregular times, by day or night depending on circumstances.

Social structure

In pairs

Usually lives in pairs, sometimes for life.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

SavannaDesertGrasslandOmnivore Variable activity In pairs Savanna Desert Grassland Mammal

51countries 18parks34same family

Fun facts

distribuciónIt is one of the most widely distributed canids of the Old World, found from southern Europe to South-East Asia, and it has recently expanded its range across several parts of central Europe.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (mammal)
Habitat & environment: A wide range of habitats across Eurasia and north-eastern Africa: savanna, steppe, scrub and forest edge, often close to human settlements
Birth weight: 200 - 250 grams
Size at birth: Blind and helpless at birth, with the eyes opening at around 10 days
Sexual maturity: 11 months
Gestation / incubation: 63 days
Litter / clutch size: 1 to 9 young per litter (most commonly 2-4)
Lifespan in captivity: Documented record of 18.8 years in captivity