Golden jackals are naturally expanding their range westward across Europe, but face intense persecution in many countries as they are perceived as threats to livestock and game species.
Jackals killed in hunts are typically shot, but many are snared or poisoned — causing prolonged suffering. Pups in dens are killed directly when adults are removed. Persecution disrupts pack structure and can lead to increased livestock depredation as disrupted social groups develop different prey selection patterns. Range-expanding jackals encounter areas with no legal protection, leaving individuals vulnerable to opportunistic killing. Conservation and welfare advocates note that tolerance policies with coexistence support are more effective than lethal control.