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Golden jackal (Canis aureus) distribution in Croatia

During the last 50 years significant fluctuations in golden jackal (Canis aureus) population size and distribution was noted in Eastern and Central Europe. First records of jackals in Croatia date from 15th century, but scientific data about their distribution was not systematically collected. In order to determine the current state and provide bases for further distribution monitoring, we analyzed data about jackal hunting management in Croatia from 2007 until 2010. Yearly reports from all hunting units were provided by Hunting Department, Ministry of Regional Development, Forestry and Water Management. They were used to create maps of areas where jackals were recorded and hunted. Jackals were recorded in 297 (27.9%) and shot in 165 (15.5%) hunting units. Based on the analyzed data we estimate that jackals in Croatia are present on at least 17 300 km2 (31% of total hunting area, national parks not included). In total 70% of all jackals were shot in Mediterranean region (Pelješac Penninsula, Ravni kotari, Dalmatinska zagora), indicating that area has the largest jackal population density. In the continental, north-east part of Croatia we recorded 25% of shot jackals, while other hunting areas with records of hunting were dispersed and indicated low jackal densities. Increase in number of shot animals per year from 2007 (132) till 2010 (790), can be interpreted as a sign of population growth. Grey wolf (Canis lupus) and jackal distribution in Croatia significantly overlap in Dalmatinska Zagora and Ravni kotari region, while in the core areas of wolf distribution (Gorski kotar and Lika) jackals were not hunted.

golden jackal; Canis aureus; distribution; Croatia

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