First record of allonursing in golden jackal (Canis aureus, L. 1758): a case of double breeding and communal denning within the same social unit

In the last decade, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of scientific publications on the ecology of the goldenjackal Canis aureus, whereas information on its reproductive biology is still scanty, and the basic reproductive parameters ofthe species are not yet fully understood. In 2021, we began a research project in North-Eastern Italy, where the golden jackalis strictly protected under the National Law, to investigate the species behavioural ecology and reproductive biology at theden site, as a key element for defining conservation measures. Within this project, we documented allosuckling behaviour,possibly related to the breeding of two females within the same social unit, with den sharing and communal nursing of thecubs. Our observations open new scenarios and raise questions on the reproductive biology and social organisation of thegolden jackal, stimulating further topics for research.