Golden Jackals (Canis aureus), also called Asiatic or Common Jackals, are small jackals native to northen and central Africa and southern Asia. They will often follow lions and other big cats to scavenge their kills. Golden Jackals live for 12-14 years in captivity.

Body length: 70-85 cm, Tail length: 25 cm, Standing height: 40 cm, Weight: 8-10 kg.

Golden Jackals have golden reddish-yellow fur with a white mark on the throat. The coat darkens in the winter.

Golden Jackals inhabit the Balkan peninsula, to Thailand and Sri Lanka, Morocco to Egypt and northern Tanzania.

The typical habitat of Golden Jackals is predominantly dry open country.They feed on small mammals, insects and fruit. Golden Jackals live together in pairs but often hunt in family troops. They have a gestation period of nine weeks, after which they give birth to 3-6 pups. They weigh 200-250 g at birth.

Golden Jackals are prevalent and not threatened. Their enemies are humans, wolves and leopards.