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

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.

Avian congregation sites in the Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat, India

“…Interestingly, Crab Plover Dromas ardeola was a mono-species congregating bird on the Pirotan island and recorded throughout the years whereas the other 13 species of birds were found congregating on Pirotan island. The Pirotan island is characterized by exposed sand-patches during low tides and it is partially covered with mudflats and mangrove vegetation (Singh et al 2004;Ramkumaran et al 2017). Major congregating species at Pirotan Island were the Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa, Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica, Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis, Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola, European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria, and Little stints Calidris minuta.…”

Molecular Recalcitrance of Hair Passing the Digestive System of a Canid

“…Its territory spread towards northern and western parts of Europe during the last years [16,17]. Diet composition of this highly opportunistic species varies Molecules 2020, 25, 4404 2 of 10 across its distribution: it comprises crabs as described from an Indian island [18], carrion of domestic animals and fruits as documented in human-disturbed habitats in Israel [19], carrion and viscera from wild ungulates in a forested area in Hungary [20], or mainly rodents in an agricultural environment as found in Bulgaria [21]. Even human remains were found in jackal stomachs related to local funeral customs in Bangladesh [22].…”