Population status, foraging ecology and activity pattern of golden jackal (Canis aureus) in Guangua Ellala Forest, Awi Zone, north west Ethiopia

A study on population status, foraging ecology and activity pattern of golden jackal (Canis aureus) was conducted from October 2017 to August 2018. Data was collected through direct observation (total count, focal and scan sampling) and faecal dropping analysis. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and compared with Chi-square test, t test and one way ANOVA. The result indicated that the average number of golden jackal in the study area was 65 during the wet season and 83 during the dry season. There was a significant difference in the population size of golden jackal between the wet and the dry season (t = 38.13, df = 1, P<0.05). The mean pack size ± SD were 4±1.19 and 4.5±1.3 during the wet and the dry seasons, respectively. Golden jackal was observed feeding mostly on rodents and plant materials. The food items consumed were significantly differed (χ(2) = 20.33, df = 5, P< 0.05) between both seasons. They were mostly active during early morning (6:00–8:00) and late afternoon (16:00–18:00). The overall status of the current population does not appear in an immediate danger. However, there are many conservation problems that could affect the species in the future in the area. Therefore, appropriate conservation measures should be taken in to consideration to protect golden jackal and create suitable habitat.