Phenetic similarity of European golden jackal (Canis aureus moreoticus) populations from southeastern Europe based on craniometric data

This study describes the craniometrical population pattern of the European golden jackal ( Canis aureus moreoticus ) populations inhabiting the southeastern part of its European range. The craniometric analysis was carried out using 18 linear skull and dental parameters. The analysis included 167 adult individuals (78 males and 89 females), originating from five populations inhabiting Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary. The expected high degree of craniometric sexual dimorphism was confirmed. The multivariate differentiation analyses of linear characters were carried out separately for males and females from the five analyzed populations. The results are suggesting that Multiple Group Discriminant Analysis is able to “build” a model which classifies both males and females to the population from which they originated. The general pattern of craniometrical similarity in both males and females golden jackals in investigated area is not strongly bounded to the geographic origin of their population. Comparative population analysis of linear skull and dental parameters of golden jackals in southeastern Europe provided important information for future population differentiation studies across the whole golden jackal range.