Genetic Variability, Differentiation, and Founder Effect in Golden Jackals (Canis aureus) from Serbia as Revealed by Mitochondrial DNA and Nuclear Microsatellite Loci

Abstract

We analyzed 121 golden jackals (Canis aureus) from six sample sites in Serbia with regard to genetic variability and differentiation as revealed by mitochondrial control region sequences and eight nuclear microsatellite loci. There was no variation at all in the mtDNA sequences, and nuclear variability was very low (average observed and expected heterozygosity of 0.29 and 0.34, respectively). This is in line with the considerable recent range expansion of this species in the Balkans and indicates a strong founder effect in the recently established Serbian population. We did not find evidence of differentiation between the northeastern jackals and those from the plain of Srem or those in between. F-statistics and Bayesian Structure analyses, however, were indicative of a low degree of overall differentiation in the Serbian population. A vagrant Austrian jackal that was also analyzed was genetically indistinguishable from its Serbian conspecifics.

PATTERNS OF SEXUAL DIMORPHISM AND PHENETIC VARIETYAMONG THE POPULATIONS OF THE GOLDEN JACKAL (Canis aureus) IN BULGARIA: INSIGHTS FROM CRANIOMETRIC DATA

“…The patterns of population craniological relationships among the golden jackal in Bulgaria is in line with the picture depict by molecular studies of populations of golden jackals in Western Balkans on the territory of Serbia (Zachos et al, 2009), where the population genetic differentiation is too slight and the population genetic variation is very low. At the same time, the high levels of craniometric differentiation among the populations of the golden jackal inhabiting Eastern (South and South-western Bulgaria) and Western Balkans (Dalmatia, Croatia) revealed the craniological heterogeneity of the species on Balkan Peninsula.…”

Epidemiological aspects on vector-borne infections in stray and pet dogs from Romania and Hungary with focus on Babesia spp.

“…foxes or golden jackals (Canis aureus), into Slovakia (Majlathova et al 2007;Lazri et al 2008;Hamel et al 2009;Vojta et al 2009). Golden jackals occur widely in Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria and have expanded their range into Central Europe recently (Nikolova et al 2001;Blaga et al 2008;Zachos et al 2009). Further spreading of vector-borne canine pathogens associated with golden jackals cannot be ruled out in the future.…”

Seasonal variation in diet of the golden jackal (Canis aureus) in Serbia

“…Locality of Surčin is in the Srem region, one of two regions in Serbia from which jackals never disappeared (Milenković 1983(Milenković , 1987Kryštufek et al 1997;Ćirović et al 2008), and in Veliko Gradište, first jackals appeared at the beginning of the 1980s. Both localities are situated along two big rivers-Surčin on the Sava River and Veliko Gradište on the Danube which is recognized as one of the main colonization routes to central Europe (Zachos et al 2009). …”