Golden jackal expansion in Europe: First telemetry evidence of a natal dispersal

摘要: Abstract The Eurasian golden jackal (Canis aureus) is currently undergoing a rapid range expansion. Originally restricted to small coastal areas of the Mediterranean and Black seas, this highly adaptive generalist species now reproducing throughout Southeastern Central Europe. In addition, individuals are being seen further North West. This continental-scale phenomenon receiving high interest among public policy makers. Although dispersal key determinant expansion, little known about ecology species. Here we report first direct evidence ability by presenting natal yearling female monitored GPS-telemetry in Southwestern Hungary. We used cluster-based path segmentation analysis identify different movement sequences: pre- post-dispersal home ranges, event as well explorative forays. left her before mating season, January settled 61.2 km North, where she successfully bred. transience lasted for 12 days, with cumulative travelled distance 223.7 km through human-dominated landscape (including two crossings motorway). movements were characterized much longer step lengths than observed during ranging behavior, propensity nocturnal movements. Noticeably, followed period numerous Our GPS telemetry study confirms jackal’s disperse long distances landscapes, potential expand landscapes