Golden jackal is an opportunistic feeder and can survive in all sorts of habitats due to its unique ability of survival on any kind of food available. The golden jackal is widely distributed in India across all the climatic zones and vegetation types. The present study deals with the population and habitat characteristics of golden jackals in semi-arid landscapes of western Kachchh, India. During the study direct sightings, camera traps and sign surveys were done in the study area to assess the status of the golden jackals in western Kachchh. The study was carried out for a period of 4 months in which we had 108 trap nights and recorded 37 independent captures of golden jackals out of a total of 211 captures. The trapping rate of golden jackals was found to be low i.e. 0.34 independent photos per trap night. The golden jackals were most active during 19:30-00:30 hrs. and from 4:00-6:00 hrs. in the early morning hours. The most favored habitat of the golden jackal was found to be dominated by Prosopis juliflora and comparatively low number was recorded in wetland habitats.
