Science News

Golden Jackals Reclassified As Golden Wolves After 150 Years

African Golden Wolf

A species of jackal from Eurasia and Africa has been re-classified as a separate species of wolf after a new study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. (SCBI)

The previously classified golden jackal has been discovered to actually be two distinctly separate species, one of which has been named the African golden wolf, said Klaus-Peter Koepfli, lead author and biologist at the SCBI.

The newly found candid species– which includes jackals, wolves, coyotes, and domestic dogs – is the first to be discovered in 150 years, reports Tech Times.

“Our results showed that African and Eurasian golden jackals were distinct across all the genetic markers we tested,” said Koepfli.

Our results showed that African and Eurasian golden jackals were distinct across all the genetic markers we tested, including data from whole genomes, suggesting these are independently evolving lineages.

The genetic data indicated that the two lineages are not even closely related, reports The Washington Post. The African golden wolves – formerly golden jackals — are more closely related to coyotes and gray wolves.

The two species are similar in body size, head shape, wolf-like body, fur color, and teeth. Both species can thrive in a variety of habitats, including dry African savannas and Southeast Asia tropical forests. The omnivorous golden jackals and golden wolves eat a variety of food, from fruit to small mammals.

The African golden wolf is endemic to north and east Africa, while the Durasian golden jackal is endemic to southern Europe, the Middle East, and southern Asia.

“We find no evidence of the Eurasian golden jackal occurring in continental Africa,” Koepfli said.

Meanwhile, the population of grey wolves at Michigan’s Isle Royal National Park has dwindled down to just three of the animals from a previous 50.

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