May 9th 2025
The Golden Jackals of Samos: Guardians of the Island’s Ecosystem
The golden jackal is a fascinating and highly adaptable mammal, and the island of Samos is home to one of the very few island populations in Europe. Genetically distinct from its mainland Balkan relatives, the Samos jackal population represents a unique part of Europe’s natural heritage.
Despite often living close to the fringes of human settlements, golden jackals are elusive and rarely seen. They coexist peacefully with humans, posing no threat to pets or livestock, aside from extremely rare encounters with already injured animals. Their opportunistic nature means they frequently feed on carrion, making them a vital part of the island’s natural cleanup crew. However, their diet is far more diverse than that: they are true omnivores.
Long-term research by the Archipelagos Institute has revealed that jackals on Samos primarily feed on fruit (such as olives, berries, and grapes), rodents, and insects. This feeding behaviour makes them invaluable to the local ecosystem. By dispersing seeds across the island and keeping rodent populations in check, jackals help protect crops and support the island’s rapid natural reforestation—a process that is notably more advanced on Samos compared to other Aegean islands.
Although Archipelagos Institute focuses primarily on the conservation of marine biodiversity, we recognise that protecting island terrestrial ecosystems is equally crucial—and intrinsically linked to the health of marine environments. For the past 14 years, we have been studying the golden jackals of Samos with the aim of supporting their conservation.
Through a variety of audiovisual monitoring tools, we study their behaviour, distribution, and the threats they face. Just as importantly, we work closely with local communities to promote awareness and protect this charismatic species. The golden jackal is not only a rare gem in the biodiversity of insular ecosystems—it is a keystone species that plays a critical role in the environmental health and resilience of Samos and its people.
