Morphometric Variations in Golden Jackal (Canis aureus) in Somogy County, Hungary

Abstract

Abstract The golden jackal (Canis aureus) is a canid species broadly distributed across Europe, including Hungary, where its population has increased exponentially in recent decades. Despite its expanding range and ecological relevance, comprehensive morphometric studies on the golden jackal in Hungary are lacking. Skull and body morphologies represent population/individual traits, genetic distances, environmental impacts, and growth variables, making morphological study essential. We conducted Hungary's first comprehensive body and skull morphometry examination of golden jackals.Between January 2021 and January 2023, we performed morphometric measurements on 754 golden jackals at two developmental stages, juveniles and adults, of different sexes (male and female) in Somogy County, Hungary. We found evidence of sexual dimorphism in all seven body measurements, which were greater in males than in females. We also demonstrated sexual dimorphism in most craniometric measurements (19/21), which were also larger in males. Most skulls differed significantly in size between the sexes and age groups, whereas postoperative breadth and foramen magnum height were not significantly different. Our results can contribute to a better understanding the ecology, behavior, and adaptation of golden jackals in the overpopulated Hungarian habitat, providing valuable insights for future conservation and management efforts."