Systematics, phylogeography and population genetics of the Golden Jackal, Canis aureus

Abstract

The goal of this study was to elucidate the systematics, phylogeny, population genetic structure, genetic variability and the relationship of golden jackal in relation to other canid species. The study outline the general characteristics of family Canidae and golden jackal as a typical member of the family, the theory of conservation genetics, molecular genetics, and the molecular markers, taxonomic affiliation of golden jackal to other jackal species and to resolve their global higher level phylogenetic status in the genus Canis and population genetic structure and genetic variability among golden jackal in Western India, Gujarat.