The golden jackal (Canis aureus): interaction of fur and fecal microbiota, host genetics and animal traits

The golden jackal (Canis aureus) is a medium-sized canid widely distributed across Europe and the Mediterranean region. As a synanthropic species, it often inhabits areas near human settlements and is associated with zoonotic diseases such as rabies. This study characterizes the golden jackal’s fur microbiota and examines its interactions with host traits, fecal microbiota, host genetics and environmental factors. Analysis of the 16S rRNA amplicons indicated that the golden jackal fur microbiota is dominated by four bacteria phyla (Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota and Bacteroidota). The microbiota composition varies significantly with geographic location, age class, exposure to oral rabies vaccines, canine distemper infection, and environmental conditions. The fur microbiota patterns found in this study, mirror associations previously observed in golden jackal fecal microbiota [1]. The significant correlation between fur and fecal microbiota composition and genetic distance between individuals indicates a potential link between host genetics and microbiota diversity, reinforcing the hypothesis that host traits and environmental exposure shape microbial communities across different habitats. However, while the fur microbiome demonstrated a significant association with geographic location the genetic diversity, based on three representative genotypes, does not. This can be explained by the strong direct contact of the fur with the environment, maintaining a skin microbiome for a healthy skin, developing and regulating the immune system, thus override the genetic profile. Overall, our findings highlight the golden jackal’s adaptability as a synanthropic species and underscore the intricate relationships between host genetics, microbiota composition, and environmental factors. By elucidating these connections, this study contributes to a broader understanding of microbiome ecology in wildlife and its implications for host health and pathogen transmission.