Density and obligatory feeding habits of an isolated Golden Jackal Canis aureus L. (Mammalia: Carnivora: Canidae) population in Pirotan Island, Gulf of Kachchh, India

Main Article Content

Kamaraj Ramkumaran
Rethnaraj Chandran
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6934-9751
Chowdula Satyanarayana
Kailash Chandra
Tikadar Shyamal

Abstract

Efforts to arrest the decline of carnivorous mammals in isolated ecosystems have received little attention in India.  The present study assesses the population density of a small Golden Jackal population, isolated on a water covered Pirotan Island in the Gulf of Kachchh Marine National Park, India.  An average of 12 Golden Jackals/km2 was found inhabiting the Island.  The scat analysis revealed that the major diet of jackals was crab (89.5±2.36 %) followed by fish (2.7±0.82 %).  Only 2.1% of their diets were from the Island source.  They have well adapted to manage their water needs from their obligatory feeding habits.

Article Details

Section
Short Communications
Author Biographies

Kamaraj Ramkumaran, Zoological Survey of India

CORAL TRANSPLANTATION/RESTORATION PROJECT, JAMNAGAR

Rethnaraj Chandran, ZOOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

CORAL TRANSPLANTATION/RESTORATION PROJECT, JAMNAGAR

Chowdula Satyanarayana, Zoological Survey of India, Indian Museum Complex, Kolkata, India

Zoological Survey of India, Scientist -C

Kailash Chandra, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata

Director, Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata

Tikadar Shyamal, Gulf of Kachchh Marine National Park, Jamnagar

CCF and Director, Gulf of Kachchh Marine National Park, Jamnagar

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