Interspecific social interaction between golden jackal (Canis aureus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes)

Abstract

In south-western Germany, a territorial single male golden jackal (Canis aureus) was repeatedly photographed showing social interaction with a red fox (Vulpes vulpes) female and her cubs. This unusual behaviour was documented in two subsequent years (August–September 2020 and May–August 2021). The interspecific actions are not limited to encounters of the two species but include interactions such as feeding and related sociopositive behaviours. Thirty-two observations with both species appearing together were recorded within the study period. The observed behaviour raises questions about the coexistence of both species and on interspecific behaviour of wild canids in general. Social isolation of the observed male golden jackal could be one of the potential drivers for the interaction, as Germany is at the current edge of golden jackal distribution in central Europe.