The Status of Nepal's Mammals: The National Red List Series - IUCN

species is omnivorous and feeds on fruits, birds, bird
eggs and poultry.
The Large Indian Civet produces litters on average of
two young and can live up to 20 years.
Conservation Status
Global: Near Threatened
National: Near Threatened
Rationale for assessment: The Large Indian Civet
(Viverra zibetha) is considered Near Threatened.
Despite having a wide distribution, the population
of this species is not abundant and due to poaching
of civets for their glands it is likely that the
population may be in decline, although perhaps
not yet at a rate to qualify for a threatened category.
It may qualify for Vulnerable under category C but
further information on the population status is
required.
Legal Status
National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2029
(1973). This species occurs within protected areas.
LEAST CONCERN
50) Canis aureus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Common Names
Golden Jackal (English); Syal (Nepali)
National Population Size
Total: 5,000 (estimated)
This species is estimated to have a population of
approximately 5,000 individuals.
National Distribution
The Large Indian Civet occurs across most of Nepal
(except in the high mountains and Trans-Himalayan
area) and within the protected areas of Annapurna
Conservation Area, Bardia National Park, Chitwan
National Park, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Khaptad
National Park, Makalu Barun National Park,
Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, Sagarmatha
National Park and Shukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve.
Distribution outside Nepal
Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Lao PDR, Malaysia,
Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam.
Main Threats
• Habitat loss due to human disturbances and
settlements, conversion of land for agriculture,
clearing for livestock grazing.
• Poaching for trade in body parts.
• Persecution as a pest species.
References
Suwal and Verheugt 1995, Ernst 2003, Baral and Shah 2008,
Nepal Red List of Mammals Field Technician Workshop 2010.
Species Description
Grey-brown coloured coat fading into sandy
coloured legs, bushy tail and large ears. Throat and
area around the eyes and lips are white.
Species Ecology
The Golden Jackal is a very versatile species
occurring mainly in open country and near human
settlements, feeding mainly on carcasses, chickens,
wild birds and small mammals. Breeding occurs
mainly in February to March with females giving
birth to a litter of between two and five young after
a gestation period of 63 days.
Conservation Status
Global: Least Concern
National: Least Concern
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