Habitat use of golden jackals (Canis aureus) in riverine areas of northern Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract Recently confirmed expansion of golden jackals ( Canis aureus ) into countries without any previous records poses questions, one them focusing on the species potential and possibly varying habitat use. In this study, we investigated presence distribution in northern Bosnia Herzegovina, where knowledge about jackal use is still scarce. We used bioacoustic stimulation as a non-invasive tool to gather data presence. Habitat structures potentially selected by were assessed at 92 calling stations input for binary logistic regression models. Our study area covered approximately 1150 km 2 , within resulted an estimated minimum relative group density 3.5 territorial groups per 100 . found distances between 15 38 southwards from river Sava but always maximum range 3 perennial watercourses. analysis identified shrub vegetation pastures with significant effect resident jackals. Probability that answered increased increasing surface shrubs. Distances territories nearest human settlement relatively small. results indicate like transitional woodland-shrubs pastures, together other influencing factors local agricultural practices, low hunting pressure, diverse natural anthropogenic food sources, could have benefited lowlands Herzegovina.