Possible origins and implications of atypical morphologies and domestication-like traits in wild golden jackals (Canis aureus).

ABSTRACT: Deciphering the origins of phenotypic variations in natural animal populations is a challenging topic for evolutionary and conservation biologists. Atypical morphologies in mammals are usually attributed to interspecific hybridisation or de-novo mutations. Here we report the case of four golden jackals (Canis aureus), that were observed during a camera-trapping wildlife survey in Northern Israel, displaying anomalous morphological traits, such as white patches, an upturned tail, and long thick fur which resemble features of domesticated mammals. Another individual was culled under permit and was genetically and morphologically examined. Paternal and nuclear genetic profiles, as well as geometric morphometric data, identified this individual as a golden jackal rather than a recent dog/wolf-

SUBMITTER: Barash A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10164184 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature