A recent genetic study co-authored by DivjaLabs researchers investigated the population dynamics of European golden jackals, focusing on the contact zone between the rapidly expanding Pannonian population and the historically isolated Dalmatian population. The analysis of new genetic samples from multiple countries revealed that while Pannonian jackals are driving the species' broader European expansion, the Dalmatian population remains largely distinct and restricted, showing only sporadic evidence of long-distance gene flow extending as far as eastern Italy.
The golden jackal (Canis aureus) is a highly adaptable mesocarnivore that has rapidly expanded its range across Europe over the last three decades. But as these resilient animals move into new territories, a fascinating scientific question arises: what happens to historically isolated populations along the way?
A newly published study in Mammal Research, co-authored by DivjaLabs scientists Marjeta Konec, Barbara Boljte, Tomaž Skrbinšek, and Astrid Vik Stronen, alongside an international team of researchers, sheds light on the complex genetic story of these fascinating carnivores. The research investigates the genetic dynamics between two distinct groups: the widespread, rapidly expanding Pannonian population, and the historically isolated Dalmatian population located on the Adriatic coast of Croatia.
The science: mapping a contact zone
Previous regional studies identified these two separate population clusters and hinted that a “contact zone” might be forming between them in south-western Slovenia and north-eastern Italy. To better understand the spatial extent of this contact zone and the level of gene flow between the two groups, the research team analysed 27 new genetic samples—including blood, hair, and tissue—collected from western Croatia, north-eastern Italy, south-eastern Austria, and northern Greece.
These new samples were carefully compared against 46 existing genetic profiles from Slovenian and Dalmatian reference populations. Through high-resolution DNA genotyping utilizing 25 microsatellite markers, the team was able to map the genetic ancestry of each individual jackal.
The findings: Two populations story
The results highlighted a stark contrast in how these two populations are navigating the European landscape. The vast majority of the newly sampled individuals—including all jackals from Austria and Greece, as well as most from Croatia (specifically the island of Krk and Plitvice National Park) and Italy—were assigned to the widespread Pannonian population. This confirms that the Pannonian jackals represent a broad region with continuous gene flow and are driving the species’ rapid expansion into northern and western Europe.
In contrast, the Dalmatian population appears to largely maintain a restricted and distinct genetic identity, possibly due to geographical or ecological barriers. None of the newly sampled individuals outside of the core Dalmatian area were assigned purely to the Dalmatian population. However, isolation does not mean a complete disconnect. The study uncovered evidence of sporadic, long-distance gene flow, identifying two individuals—one from Italy and one from the Croatian island of Dugi Otok—that showed admixed Pannonian-Dalmatian ancestry. This confirms that a contact zone currently stretches from the Adriatic islands all the way to eastern Italy
Real-world impact: Why genetic research matters?
Why do these genetic footprints matter for the real world? Effective wildlife conservation and management depend heavily on reliable data. As golden jackals continue to colonize new parts of Europe, mapping their population structure is crucial. Understanding where a species faces dispersal barriers, and uncovering the environmental and ecological factors that influence their movement, provides an essential baseline for broad-scale management planning.
At DivjaLabs, our mission is to apply cutting-edge molecular and computational tools to bridge the gap between pure research and practical, science-based management. By revealing the hidden genetic dynamics of expanding populations, we can help managers make informed decisions that support healthy ecosystems and long-term sustainability.
👉 Access the original scientific paper here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13364-026-00853-1
