Population genetic structure in a rapidly expanding mesocarnivore: golden jackals in the Dinaric-Pannonian region

Species range expansions and (re)colonization of landscapes variously dominated by humans occur on a global scale. Understanding such enlargements subsequent changes in the composition ecological communities is important for conservation management, golden jackal (Canis aureus) can be considered model species regional continental expansion. Although this mesopredator has been known from Adriatic Coast southeastern Europe over 500 years, recent arrival further north, including Slovenia where jackals were first confirmed 1950s. Research eastern Italy found with ancestry Dalmatian region Pannonian east. We predicted similar Slovenian jackals, examined samples Croatia, Dalmatia interior regions, Serbia, Hungary, 25 microsatellite markers to determine population genetic structure. detected two distinct clusters, representing Balkan-Pannonian (Pannonian) populations (FST = 0.157, 95% CI: 0.112–0.209). Contrary expectations, only few individuals exhibited signs ancestry, none appeared direct immigrants. Some results suggested third cluster centered northern Hungary. These divergent profiles might indicate immigration outside study area, regions east are required additional resolution. Based our results, we hypothesize that not substantial source expansion species, which likely occurred Further investigation help resolve current distribution populations, relationships resulting progressively overlapping distributions canid species. Finally, genomic research could illuminate whether variants areas have facilitated into characterized colder climate, presence snow, extensive forest cover; habitats seemingly avoided occupying surrounding Europe.