This species is listed as Least Concern because it is common through much of its wide range, present even in human-modified habitats, and feeds opportunistically. Therefore, there is little reason to be believe that it is currently threatened.

This species is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal and Gambia to the Horn of Africa, and then southwards to southeast South Africa (Taylor 2013). Extralimital to the African continent, it is present along much of the coast of Saudi Arabia to Oman and also recorded from Farasan Kabir Island in the Red Sea, where they may have been introduced (Taylor 2013). It ranges from sea level to 3,500 m asl in Ethiopia (Admasu et al. 2004).

This species is common. Densities as high as 4.3 individuals/km² were reported from the Serengeti (Waser 1980).

It occurs in grasslands, savanna and woodland areas, and is absent from moist forested areas, high altitudes above the treeline, desert and semi-desert (Taylor 2013). It is adaptable to human-modified habitats, with individuals often found around towns and villages where they feed opportunistically on garbage (Taylor 2013). In Oman it has been found associated with gardens and plantations (Harrison and Bates 1991). It is primarily insectivorous.

There are no major threats to the species. It may be caught incidentally in predator control programmes principally aimed at Black-backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas) and Caracal (Caracal caracal; Taylor 2013).

This species is not used.

This species is present in many protected areas across its range.