| dc.description.abstract | The Eurasian Golden Jackal (Canis aureus) is found in Europe and Asia. It is the only wild
dog species found in Sri Lanka. The taxonomic status of the Sri Lankan jackal, however,
is ambiguous, and its distribution is poorly studied. Here we provide a critical overview
of the taxonomic history and a detailed description of the geographical distribution of
the jackal in Sri Lanka. The taxonomic history of the species was reviewed using the
scientific literature and specimens in major collections. The name of the species based on
morphology first appeared in Linnaeus (1758), followed by Kelaart ( 1852) as Canis aureus.
Sri Lankan jackal was treated as an endemic subspecies to the island; C. aureus lanka
in Ellerman & Morrison-Scott (1951) and in Philips (1984) or as a subspecies endemic to
both Southern India and Sri Lanka; C. aureus nariya in Wroughton (1916). Later, Philips
(1935) elevated the Sri Lankan jackal to a full species; Canis lanka Philips (1935). To
map the density and geographical distribution of the jackal, a questionnaire-survey and
sighting-reports were used across the country, covering major agro-climatic zones. The
jackal inhabits throughout the island in low densities. In several regions in the dry zone,
it has a denser population. It is rare above 1500 m of elevation. Questions based on
recent population trends in the questionnaire suggested a recent decline in the jackal
population across the country. It is emphasized here that the importance of a molecular
phylogenetic study to verify taxonomic status and a systematic island-wide survey to
assess the population size for this species. | en_US |
