The past 200 years of the golden jackal (Canis aureus l., 1758) in hungary – “reed wolf”: Observations from the 1800s to today

of jackals observed by the GMUs changed quickly during the study period (4 in 1997, and 67 in 2006). With the help of hunters and game managers, a relatively large number of proof of specimens were collected (70 carcasses, 8 skins/ skulls) during 8 years. The acoustic survey showed 2 results. First, the authors verified the continuous presence of the jackal in a large research area (Somogy, Baranya, and Bacs-Kiskun counties). Second, the authors noticed that the population size was eminent mainly in the centers of the main distribution areas. The highest density found was 13.6 specimens/1000 ha (2005). It is above the highest fox density ever counted in Hungary (13.0 specimens/1000 ha, 2002), in spite of the fact that the first breeding pairs were noticed about 10 years ago. The northward spreading in Hungary is occurring by the banks of rivers (Danube, Tisza), as well as in the countries of the Balkan peninsula. The results show that the golden jackaldas a well-monitorable speciesdhas been spreading intensively in Hungary, showing the characteristics of invasive species. The only limiting factor in the spread seems to be the quality of the habitat (availability of hiding places and minimal disturbances). The jackal, as a top predator, can oust other predators (e.g., red fox) from the same habitat. The expansion of the jackal is discontinuous, however, the density of the population can show relatively high increases in the preferred habitats (core areas) in a very short time.