Do wildlife crimes against less charismatic species go unnoticed? A case study of Golden Jackal Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758 poaching and trade in India

Abstract

Wildlife crimes pertaining to lesser-known species do not usually garner adequate focus or interest by enforcement and conservation agencies. Additionally, illegal wildlife trade fuelled by religious beliefs in sorcery and superstition is an oft-neglected field of research. To draw attention to these two broad issues, we provide a baseline analysis of open-source reports on Golden Jackal Canis aureus poaching and trade in India. We highlight the pervasiveness of an active local and transnational ‘jackal horn’ trade, which is severely under-reported and insufficiently researched. News reports and government seizure data reveal that, between 2013 and 2019, 126 skins, eight tails, more than 370 ‘jackal horns’, 16 skulls and two live jackals have been seized. The demand for the illusionary ‘jackal horn’ appears to be driven by extensive online endorsement and unsubstantiated claims made by religious practitioners, targeted primarily at south Asian markets. This preliminary study is an urgent call for concerted efforts to monitor the illegal trafficking and trade of this common species, with a particular focus on the demand and supply chains.

Medicine, black magic and supernatural beings: Cultural rituals as a significant threat to slender lorises in India

“…Black magic has traditionally referred to supernatural powers or magic for evil and selfish purposes (Melton, 2001). The impacts of such practices on animal conservation may be overlooked, especially among less charismatic species (Chawla et al, 2020). Understanding how animals are used in these various practices can also aid in conservation and intervention strategies (Jugli et al, 2020).…”

“…A number of species, including the vulnerable primate the eastern hoolock Hoolock leuconedys and clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa are used for various practices including harming others, to prevent bad omens and telling fortunes (Jugli et al, 2020). Golden jackals Canis aureus are poached for their ‘jackal horns’, a bony cone‐shaped excrescence that can occasionally grow on jackal's skulls, which are sought by astrologers and by black magic practitioners from various religious groups across the country (Chawla et al, 2020). Over time, the harvest for such practices could lead to their decline, the impact of the over‐harvest on population requires more research.…”

A Descriptive Study of Hair Morphology of Three Carnivore families (Canidae, Ursidae and Herpestidae)

“…Among the five, the three canid species and Indian grey mongoose belong to schedule II and sloth bear belong to schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act (1972) but are still hunted in different parts of India. The golden jackal and Indian fox hunting is driven by superstitious beliefs [22,23] and threatened by loss of habitat [24]. The sloth bear is poached for their meat, skin, teeth, claws, bile gland and derivatives used as traditional medicine in local and international markets [2].…”

Wildlife Forensics: A Case Study on Golden Jackal Canis aureus in India Using Canid Head and Tailor-Made Musk Pod

“…Though most of the wildlife species are under protection on the national and international scale, only charismatic species like Tiger (Panthera tigris) or Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) gains greater concern from the public, the lesser known or less charismatic species do not garner enough attention [2]. Crime on such species generally has a low conviction rate and are under-punished [3].…”