Golden jackal: An unknown wild animal on our doorstep in Mödling!

Golden jackal: An unknown wild animal on our doorstep in Mödling!

A book presentation about the golden jackal (Canis aureus) took place on October 23, 2025, written by the authors Jennifer Hatlauf and Robert Krickl. Robert Krickl is not only a scientist, but also a committed science communicator. The book deals with a “wild animal on our doorstep” that is not expected in the district’s latitudes. The fascination with the golden jackal, which has spread naturally across Europe in recent decades, was clearly evident during the event. Particularly worth mentioning is the first reliable detection of a golden jackal in the Mödling district in 2012, which sparked scientific discourse about these animals in the region.

The golden jackal has proven to be an extremely adaptable animal. According to the German Wildlife Foundation, the golden jackal adapts its diet flexibly to the available food sources and the respective season. The golden jackal's main diet consists of smaller animals such as long-tailed mice, voles and lagomorphs. These animals are mainly active at dusk and at night, and hunt alone or in small groups. They also eat clutches and young birds of ground-nesting birds, amphibians, reptiles, larger insects and carrion. If conditions are favorable, they can occasionally attack even-toed ungulates such as deer or domestic sheep, although usually only young animals are captured. In addition, golden jackals are not only carnivores, but depending on the season they also consume plant foods such as berries, fallen fruit, grapes and corn kernels. In settlements, they often use waste, compost heaps, as well as pet feed and slaughterhouse waste for food.

Distribution and sightings

There have been an increasing number of golden jackals sightings in Germany recently, which can also be attributed to the map of Germany provided by the Wildbrücke website. This map shows current sightings of the golden jackal in Germany and neighboring border regions, based on field reports, census surveys and scientific studies in collaboration with nature conservation organizations. The distribution and frequency of golden jackal sightings is thus clearly presented in order to identify hotspots where these animals are increasingly occurring.

The map data is reliable and updated regularly. It serves numerous purposes: on the one hand, research to analyze distribution patterns and habitat preferences of the golden jackal, and on the other hand, strategic planning of protective measures by nature conservation organizations and authorities. General interest is also supported by the information provided, allowing the public to keep up to date with the current status and sightings of golden jackals. This awareness and understanding of the golden jackal's habitat is crucial for their future protection and management.