Golden jackals are naturally expanding their range across Europe but face illegal killing and persecution as they colonise new countries where they are unfamiliar to local residents.
Golden jackals in newly colonised European countries face welfare threats from residents unfamiliar with the species. Illegal killing, including poisoning, shooting, and trapping, occurs before legal status is clearly understood or enforced. Jackals raised in areas with persecution pressure live in chronic fear and stress conditions. Pups orphaned by persecution of parent animals face starvation and exposure. As naturally colonising species protected under EU law, their welfare deserves the same protection as other European predators.