Unofficial data indicate the species occurrence as north as Estonia where jackals have been spotted on several occasions. As a result of this sudden expansion, European zoologists decided to dedicate more time to explore jackal’s current and analyze possible future distribution as well as project this species abundance. This resulted in a Pan-European project which aims exactly at figuring out the present and future distribution of the jackals and their colonization and corridor routs. In order to make this possible, the large carnivore experts developed a monitoring method using a simple tool such as the megaphone. Namely, a howling sound is played thorough the megaphone in sequences, causing the jackals found in the vicinity to answer. The howling survey was conducted throughout the central and south-eastern European countries in a structured and systematic fashion. Macedonia has not been an exception though. MES members which are involved in field activities decided to help convey this research by conducting several howling transects throughout the country. So far, 139 locations have been surveyed, and the jackals have been found in only seven locations. The results of this study suggest that jackal is not as wide spread as was previously assumed having in mind the area of suitable habitats in Macedonia.

More information:

Dime Melovski and Gjorge Ivanov

Macedonian Ecological Society
 

For the purpose of this article the name Macedonia has been used to refer to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.