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Raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), an invasive species - first record in the Plitvice Lakes National Park

Raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides, Carnivora, Canidae ; Gray, 1834) was recorded for the first time in the protected area of Croatia - Plitvice Lakes National Park (PLNP) on 16th January 2015, and on five more occasions until March 2020, at the total of four different locations in the PLNP. Its presence was recorded by automatic cameras, each time during the night at places in the forest, at least 2 km or more away from the nearest settlement. The emergence of this species is a consequence of illegal introduction or natural spread of the species, as is the case in other northern parts of Europe. Raccoon dog is a new and invasive species in Europe, which managed to spread from the European parts of the former Soviet Union, where it was introduced from East Asia, for the purpose of captive breeding for fur production. In Croatia, specimens of raccoon dog were recorded in the early 1980s in the eastern part of the country. After that, no presence was recorded in Croatia, although the characteristics of the species include adaptability, hibernation, high reproductive potential, spread to new areas, as well as efficient gene flow among populations. The presence of raccoon dog has not yet been confirmed in the area between eastern (Pannonian) Croatia and the Dinarids, which is probably a consequence of insufficient monitoring and not the actual absence of the species in this area. Evidence of the existence of raccoon dog in PLNP is an important first step toward understanding the extent of the invasion and its potential effects. Without a proper scientific information, management plans and other actions cannot be taken.

raccoon dog ; invasive alien species ; Plitvice lakes national park ; Croatia

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