Golden Jackal (Canis aureus) death by road accident in rural Bengal-insight the fact: a perception based eco-spatial clarification.

Golden jackal is one of the higher trophic level wild animals in rural Bengal. Their ecological significance is undeniable in regional ecosystems and biodiversity. But gradually they become threatened due to habitat contraction, road killing, poisoning and human persecution. The documentation of jackal death by road accident within the 12-km district highway which is a single lane bituminous road in Patshpur-I Community Development Block under Purba Medinipur district, India, reveals an unpredictable ecological circumstance (n-154). Jackals are killed by road accidents from 2022 to 2023. On behalf of this blameless situation, the present study conducted intensive observations, case studies and spatial-ecological analysis. The study also included stakeholder's perceptions to reach and relates the background of this fact. After observation and analysis, it has been found that the jackal deaths have a spatio-temporal signature and are connected with food and forage ground loss from their habitat-influenced area. Another outcome is that roadside habitat becomes an alternative food source and forage ground for them due to trench construction both alongside of the district highway and illegal dumping of meat wastes and domestic wastes. The seasonal biological activities of the jackals, local weather phenomena and car driver negligence are responsible for the accidental death of jackals along the district highway. Considering all the observed factors, the present study shared some reliable measures to control, protect and conserve this animal for balancing regional ecosystem as well as biodiversity in rural Bengal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]