The Golden Jackal Project since 2015
A chronicle from 2015 to 2026: from the first habitat modelling to an established research project – a fascinating journey, year by year.
Since 2015, a single scientific question has grown into an internationally recognised research programme. This timeline shows the most important milestones.
4th International Jackal Symposium
The 4th International Jackal Symposium has taken place, and the project is represented by six contributions in the proceedings. Next, the SchakalMelder, our reporting app, moves into regular operation, linking citizen-science data collection even more closely with research.
Ten years – and a book
To mark the tenth anniversary, the book “Der Goldschakal – Lebenskünstler auf leisen Pfoten” (in German; Volume 1, Hatlauf & Krickl, aureus Verlag) is published, making the knowledge gathered widely accessible. The golden jackal also receives its species chapter in the international standard reference “Handbook of the Mammals of Europe” (Springer).
A golden jackal family in the Hohe Tauern
Camera traps in Hohe Tauern National Park captured video footage of a golden jackal family with pups. Watch the video
A year of widespread attention
The first confirmed record in Vienna, the first World Jackal Day and the much-followed journey of “Maj” – more than 150 documented media reports across the German-speaking world.
Synthesis in Gödöllő
Co-organisation of the 3rd International Jackal Symposium in Hungary.
A methodological foundation
Fundamental studies on legal status, bioacoustics, detection dog methods and morphometrics are published in international scientific journals.
Methods under difficult conditions
Despite the pandemic, an important part of the project is completed: the first study on our work with detection dogs is written up.
On the trail – detection dogs and diet
First successes of detection dog monitoring in the “Jackal and Hide” project; new field methods come into focus.
Growing international ties
Co-editing of the proceedings of the 2nd International Jackal Symposium.
From pilot project to programme
Launch of the bilateral projects analysing monitoring methods.
The wolf’s little brother
The first scientific publications and a much-acclaimed five-part series on Austrian radio Ö1 bring the golden jackal into public debate.
The starting point
The first systematic habitat modelling for the golden jackal in Austria lays the scientific foundation.
Cover mock-up · book in preparation
The whole story
The detailed chronicle “Das Goldschakalprojekt: Eine Chronik” (The Golden Jackal Project: A Chronicle) tells the story of each year in depth – with publications, media coverage and monitoring data. It will be published as a book (in German).
Coming in 2027.
Help write the chronicle
Every sighting you report becomes part of the monitoring – and of the chapters still to come.
Report a sighting