A young specimen of the golden jackal, struck by a vehicle, was found on Tuesday, August 12, in the Maza area of Arco. This discovery allowed the Provincial Wildlife Service to confirm the existence of a new breeding population in the area, bringing the total number of known family groups in Trentino to five. The species, which has been expanding in recent years following its first confirmed reproduction in 2020, has shown a steady growth trend with four active nuclei confirmed in 2024.
The golden jackal (Canis aureus moreoticus) is a canid that prefers hilly habitats and scrublands, avoiding mountainous forests. With an omnivorous diet, it primarily feeds on small mammals and birds, but it also consumes carrion and waste. Despite the negative reputation associated with this species, it significantly contributes to the biodiversity of the alpine ecosystem and poses no threat to humans. Accurate information about its characteristics is crucial to prevent incidents such as road accidents or poaching.
