Golden Jackals’ Winter Feeding Habits A One Health Perspective

Abstract

The golden jackal (Canis aureus) is an autochthonous canid species in Serbia, with its population numbers among the highest in Europe. Following decades of continuous range expansion, the golden jackal now occupies nearly the entire country, adapting well to various habitats, including human-alerted ones. Previous studies have highlighted the species' opportunistic feeding behaviour, allowing it to adjust its diet to the seasonal availability of resources. This study examines the composition of golden jackals winter diet in Serbia's to understand their ecological role and interactions with human activities during the resource-scarce winter months. In collaboration with hunting associations, we analysed stomach contents from 86 legally hunted jackals collected during the winter months (December–February) of 2023 and 2024. Sixteen individuals had empty stomachs. Domestic ungulate carcasses were the dominant food category, occurring in 44 stomachs (62.9 % FO) and contributing 68.1% of total biomass, underscoring a heavy reliance on carrion. Small mammals were the most common live prey category (24.1 % O, 10.6 % B). Other dietary components included poultry, plant material, game species, and carnivores, though these were of lesser importance. The jackals' dependence on improperly disposed carcasses raises environmental and public health concerns, including the potential transmission of pathogens to domestic animals and humans. This highlights the need for a One Health approach to address these risks through improved carcass disposal and waste management practices, thereby mitigating human impacts on wildlife feeding behaviour and reducing public health risks.