Thanks to the timely intervention of a Sainik Farm resident in the Capital, the life of a Golden Jackal was saved. The creature with grievous injury to its right forelimb because of a metal clutch wire was wrapped tightly around it, was spotted by a person yesterday and he immediately informed the Wildlife SOS 24-hour rescue helpline.

The NGO’s Rapid Response team on reaching the spot took the animal – a male estimated to be three years old – for emergency treatment. Closer inspection revealed that the jackal was severely wounded as the wire was tightly wrapped around its forelimb. Following careful removal of the wire, the veterinarians treated the leg and at present the jackal is under medical observation.

Native of the Indian subcontinent, the Golden Jackal is an important part of forest ecosystems. Omnivorous in nature, these animals feed on a variety of small mammals, birds, fishes, and even fruits.

Protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, they are estimated to be around 80,000 in the wild. Habitat fragmentation, hunting, wildlife trafficking, man-animal conflict and road accidents are grave threats to these creatures.

According to Wasim Akram, Deputy Director, Special Projects, Wildlife SOS, fragmentation of habitats has made wildlife sightings very common. “The jackal is a very adaptive and ubiquitous canid species. It is very important to acknowledge the presence of wild animals around us and learn to co-exist with them.”

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