PROPOZYCJA MONITORINGU SZAKALA ZŁOCISTEGO (Canis aureus)

Abstract

Golden jackal (Canis aureus) is a mesopredator. As an opportunistic species, it can both compete and pose a threat to native species. The golden jackal was first documented in Poland in 2015, where it came probably due to the natural expansion of the species distribution range. Currently, its estimated population size is based only on observations of single individuals, but this may change in the future. The recent expansion of the golden jackal, as well as its small population size in Poland, result in a low level of knowledge about this species and its impact on the native fauna and flora. The purpose of monitoring is to help in the future control of the population size, as well as to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge on the biology and the impact of this species on the environment. The monitoring method of the golden jackal presented in this article consists of the assessment of both the species’ habitat and its population. Overall, the proposed assessment of the habitat and population is based on evaluation of 7 indicators (population density, number of litters, height above sea level, presence of wolves, access to water reservoirs, scrubs, food base availability). Indicator assessment allows to determine, whether a given site is favorable for the settlement and growth of the golden jackal population. Observations carried out during the monitoring process may additionally facilitate the recognition of the species in the newly occupied areas, and allow to determine its impact on the environment.