Rare Indian Jackal Sighting at Perumbakkam Wetland

Context:

On March 15, 2025, an Indian jackal was spotted at the Perumbakkam wetland in Chennai, highlighting the ecological significance of this urban wetland and its surrounding biodiversity.

Key Information:

• Date and Location: The sighting occurred on March 15, 2025, at Perumbakkam wetland, Chennai.
• Observer: Sadasivam Shiva, a birder from Chromepet, photographed the Indian jackal during a birdwatching trip.
• Circumstances:
• 1. The migratory season was nearing its end, with reduced water levels shifting focus to deeper wetland sections.
  2. The jackal was spotted in the far interior, captured using a telephoto zoom lens due to the distance.
• Speculated Origin: Experts suggest the jackal may have come from forest areas near Perumbakkam hill.
• Species Distribution: Indian jackals are commonly found in Pulicat, indicating their presence in Tamil Nadu’s ecosystems.
• Ecological Context:
• 1. Wetlands like Perumbakkam serve as critical habitats for diverse fauna, including migratory birds and mammals.
  2. The sighting reflects the wetland’s role in supporting biodiversity despite urban pressures.
• Conservation Relevance: This event emphasizes the need to protect wetlands as vital ecological zones amidst habitat loss and seasonal vulnerabilities.

Key Terms:

• Indian Jackal: A native canine species adaptable to various habitats, often found near wetlands and forests.
• Perumbakkam Wetland: An urban wetland in Chennai, significant for biodiversity and migratory species.
• Migratory Season: The period when birds and other species travel to wetlands, typically influenced by climate and water availability.
• Telephoto Zoom Lens: A camera lens used for capturing distant subjects, crucial for wildlife photography.
• Biodiversity: The variety of life forms in an ecosystem, highlighting the ecological value of wetlands.
• Wetland Conservation: Efforts to preserve wetland ecosystems for their environmental and ecological benefits.

About Indian Jackal

IUCN Status:

• Least Concern (LC): The golden jackal, including the Indian Jackal subspecies, is classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This status reflects its widespread distribution and relatively stable population across its range, which spans parts of Africa, Europe, and Asia, including the Indian subcontinent. The species is adaptable to various habitats, such as wetlands, forests, and urban fringes, contributing to its resilience.

CITES Status:

• Appendix III (in India): The golden jackal is listed under Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in India. This listing provides a mechanism for India to regulate international trade in jackal specimens (e.g., pelts or tails) and seek cooperation from other countries to prevent illegal trade, though it does not impose the strictest trade bans reserved for Appendix I or II species.

Conservation Programs:

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India): The Indian Jackal is protected under Schedule II, Part II of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022. This legal status offers moderate protection, prohibiting hunting and trade without specific permits, though it is less stringent than Schedule I protection afforded to critically endangered species.
• Wild Canids–India Project: This citizen-science initiative, led by researchers, aims to gather data on wild canids, including the Indian Jackal, to better understand their distribution, population trends, and threats. It encourages public reporting of sightings and has highlighted issues like illegal trade in jackal parts (e.g., "jackal horn" or siyar singhi), which is driven by superstition. While not a formal government program, it contributes to conservation awareness and research.
• Wetland Conservation Efforts: The sighting at Perumbakkam wetland underscores the ecological role of wetlands as habitats for species like the Indian Jackal. General wetland conservation initiatives, such as those under the Ramsar Convention (though Perumbakkam is not a Ramsar site), indirectly benefit the jackal by preserving its habitat. India’s National Wetland Conservation Programme also supports such ecosystems, though no jackal-specific programs are noted.
• No Species-Specific Programs: Unlike endangered species (e.g., tigers or vultures), there are no dedicated, government-led conservation programs exclusively for the Indian Jackal due to its "Least Concern" status and perceived abundance. However, broader wildlife and habitat protection measures, such as those in Tamil Nadu’s protected areas (e.g., near Pulicat), provide incidental benefits.

Additional Notes:

• The Indian Jackal’s adaptability to human-modified landscapes (e.g., near Chennai) and its role as a scavenger and seed disperser enhance its ecological significance. However, threats like habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal trade in parts persist, though they are not currently deemed severe enough to alter its conservation status.
• Conservation efforts remain largely indirect, relying on habitat preservation and legal protections rather than targeted interventions.

Link To The Original Article – https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/indian-jackal-spotted-at-perumbakkam-wetland/article69367263.ece