Indian jackal spotted at Perumbakkam wetland

On March 15, 2025 Sadasivam Shiva, a birder from Chromepet, headed to the Perumbakkam wetland hoping to catch sight of any unusual feathers. As the migratory season has not run its course, a surprise sighting or two is only par for the course. But the season being in its fag end, and the water level has dropped significantly, and the point of focus would be in the deeper section of the wetland. Sadasivam was not greeted with disappointment, but by something out of the ordinary, even more extraordinary than what Sadasivam considered possible. The surprise did not arrive wrapped in feathers but a gleaming coat. He chanced upon an Indian jackal, which he photographed. The animal was in the far interior section of the wetland and he could manage only a distant snap with his telephoto zoom lens. The speculation is that the Indian jackal could have come from the forest area surrounding the Perumbakkam hill. This is the first ever sighting of an Indian jackal in these parts. The next closest area where Indian jackals are said to be found is the Thaiyur reserve forest. To think that the Indian jackal could have proceeded to this patch from Thaiyur reserve forest is a stretch, both figuratively and literally -- to do so, it would have had to cover considerable distance (24 kilometres) and dodge fast-moving vehicular traffic along the way. Indian jackals are commonly found in Pulicat.

On March 15, 2025 Sadasivam Shiva, a birder from Chromepet, headed to the Perumbakkam wetland hoping to catch sight of any unusual feathers.

As the migratory season has not run its course, a surprise sighting or two is only par for the course. But the season being in its fag end, and the water level has dropped significantly, and the point of focus would be in the deeper section of the wetland.

Sadasivam was not greeted with disappointment, but by something out of the ordinary, even more extraordinary than what Sadasivam considered possible. The surprise did not arrive wrapped in feathers but a gleaming coat. He chanced upon an Indian jackal, which he photographed. The animal was in the far interior section of the wetland and he could manage only a distant snap with his telephoto zoom lens.

The speculation is that the Indian jackal could have come from the forest area surrounding the Perumbakkam hill. This is the first ever sighting of an Indian jackal in these parts. The next closest area where Indian jackals are said to be found is the Thaiyur reserve forest. To think that the Indian jackal could have proceeded to this patch from Thaiyur reserve forest is a stretch, both figuratively and literally -- to do so, it would have had to cover considerable distance (24 kilometres) and dodge fast-moving vehicular traffic along the way.

Indian jackals are commonly found in Pulicat.

These photos were taken by Sadasivam Shiva.