Current status and distribution of golden jackalsCanis aureusin Europe

Abstract

1. The golden jackal Canis aureus is one of the most widespread canid species with a range covering areas of central, eastern and southern Europe, northern Africa and parts of Asia. Distribution of the golden jackal in Europe has been dynamic, including dramatic declines (until the 1960s), recovery (1960s and 1970s) and expansion (from the early 1980s onwards). 2. We present up-to-date information on golden jackal status in Europe and range expansion. 3. For data collection we reviewed the scientific literature and contacted scientists from the relevant countries. We distinguished between vagrant animals and established populations. 4. In the last decade, there has been an increase in jackal records in areas where the species has not been reported before. Increased presence is recorded northwards and westwards of the distribution range of the golden jackal, specifically in Hungary, Serbia and Slovakia. In Austria, the first case of reproduction was confirmed in 2007; reproduction has also recently been reported in Italy. 5.Results indicate an ongoing expansion in Europe's jackal population, with a particular spread of the Balkan populations towards central Europe. Although there are numerous reports of sightings, only few originate from confirmed sources and in many areas status is unknown or vague. There is a general lack of ecological data and almost no information on ecological consequences associated with the golden jackal expansion.

Legal implications of range expansions in a terrestrial carnivore: the case of the golden jackal (Canis aureus) in Europe

“…We used Arnold et al (2012) as a basis regarding jackal distribution and expanded it to the Balkan region, which was mostly neglected in the former review (especially the countries of former Yugoslavia). We also reviewed recent literature concerning new golden jackal records, including grey literature and unpublished data.…”

“…The factors driving or facilitating the golden jackal's expansion are still unclear, although land use changes apparently play a part (Š álek et al 2014), and climate change may be implicated (Giannatos 2004;Arnold et al 2012). Expansion may furthermore be easier where wolves, natural intra-guild predators of golden jackals, are uncommon or absent (Kryštufek and Tvrtkovič 1990;Giannatos 2004;Arnold et al 2012).…”

“…Expansion may furthermore be easier where wolves, natural intra-guild predators of golden jackals, are uncommon or absent (Kryštufek and Tvrtkovič 1990;Giannatos 2004;Arnold et al 2012).…”

“…These include the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the 1979 Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention), and the 1992 European Union (EU) Directive 92/43 on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (Habitats Directive). The Giannatos et al (2005), Groff et al (2014), Heltai et al (2012), Heptner et al (1998), Jhala and Moehlman (2004), KORA (2012), Koubek and Cerveny (2007), Krofel (2008a, b), Kryštufek et al (1997), Markov (2012), Mihelič and Krofel (2012), Möckel (2000), Lapini et al (2011), Levickaite (2015), LSM (2014), Roženko andVolokh (2010), Š álek et al (2014), Selanec et al (2011), Stoyanov (2012, STV (2012), Szabo et al (2007), Toom (2014), Trbojevic (2014), Weingarth et al (2012) (Humer 2006;Lapini et al 2009;Arnold et al 2012). In Germany, the first jackal presence was recorded even more recently (Möckel 2000;Weingarth et al 2012).…”

“…Jackals have been recently sighted as far west as Switzerland and as far north as Estonia. Continuation of this expansion appears likely (Arnold et al 2012). It is still not certain what factors actually drive it, although we highlight some possible factors below.…”