Daring Newcomer: The Golden Jackal on Sylt - A Unique Encounter
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Rare Sighting of a Golden Jackal on the Island of Sylt: Is This an Uncommon Occurrence? - Gold Jackal Spotted in Sylt: Unexpected Occurrence or Common Sight?
It's not every day you hear about a jackal hunt on Sylt, but that's exactly what's happening right now. A group of around 20 to 30 hunters are attempting to bag the elusive creature during its nocturnal escapades, as per Manfred Uekermann, the deputy chief gamekeeper of North Friesland. If successful, this would mark the first officially acknowledged shooting of a golden jackal in Germany, according to the German Hunting Association (DJV).
But wait, aren't jackals just animals from the steppe?
Far from it! The golden jackal (Canis aureus) - unlike the wolf, which once dwelled here before its eradication - is a newcomer in Germany and other European countries. Golden jackals thrive in the Near East, India, and other regions of Asia, but have been gradually making their way across Europe, too.
Originally, European golden jackals were mainly found in the southeastern Balkans. Today, they are spreading steadily north and westwards. Meanwhile, the side-striped jackal (Canis adustus) lives in the African savannah, and the black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) inhabits Africa south of the Sahara.
Why must the jackal on Sylt meet its end?
Despite the golden jackal's protected status according to the Federal Species Protection Ordinance, this particular animal has been a strong threat to Sylt's livestock. The State Office for the Environment in Schleswig-Holstein issued an exception permit under species protection law due to the following reasons: to prevent further harm to livestock, the threat to ground-nesting birds, and the significance of sheep in coastal protection.
With sheep forming the central element of natural dyke protection in many regions, their short grass cover, soil compaction due to the animals' movement, and consumption of young tree shoots contribute to protecting against erosion.
Why does the jackal kill more lambs than it can consume?
A common phenomenon in confined prey populations is surplus killing, where predators, including jackals, attack more animals than they can consume. The limited food resources and lack of escape routes for the sheep on Sylt trigger a predatory reflex repeatedly - in contrast to wild herds, where killed animals are typically scattered, causing the predator to cease its pursuit.
This phenomenon is also observed among other predators, such as wolves and martens, as well as domesticated animals like dogs. Golden jackals are known for creating caches of carcasses that they can't eat immediately.
Is it definitively the jackal that's behind the kills?
Yes. While sheep and lambs are often killed by unleashed dogs, DNA analysis, mobile phone recordings, and footage from wildlife cameras have confirmed that a golden jackal is responsible for the approximately 100 kills on Sylt since May 19.
So, how did this determined critter get to the island?
Sylt is connected to the mainland via the Hindenburg dam, which the animal likely crossed. It's been observed that other species, including deer, also utilize this path to reach the island. Similar to wolves, coyotes, and other canine species, golden jackals are adept swimmers.
Are golden jackals a norm now in Germany?
It seems so! The first confirmed sightings were in southern Brandenburg in 1997. Since then, there have been numerous reports in various federal states, with the latest being Rhineland-Palatinate. Although the overall number for Germany is not yet known, the species is on the move across central, western, and northern Europe.
Did you know: The Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe (LCIE) estimates that there are now about 150,000 golden jackals in Europe - more than TWICE the estimated wolf population in this region.
Should I be concerned about a golden jackal?
No. Golden jackals usually avoid human contact and pose no threat to adult cattle or horses, but they might pose a threat to smaller livestock like sheep or goats.
Have you ever spotted a golden jackal? It can be tough to catch a glimpse since it's shy, mostly nocturnal, and often mistaken for a fox or a skinny dog. However, direct observations are rare, and most evidence comes from photo traps.
Now that you know what to look for, here's a little information on how you can recognize one: The golden jackal owes its name to its often yellowish-gray fur. It has a fox-like bushy tail and weighs about ten kilograms. Compared to foxes, it appears more leggy and usually has a dark, not light, tail tip. They communicate using whining, howling, and barking sounds.
The golden jackal typically lives in family groups consisting of parents and their offspring. Older youngsters set out in search of their own territories, while pairs remain together for life. These adaptable creatures prefer wetlands but thrive in various habitats, provided there's enough food.
Golden jackals are omnivores and eat small mammals, amphibians, insects, carrion, and even plant matter like apples and fruits. They stalk their prey as a fox would and then pounce suddenly. Their cunning hunting style and shyness are part of why they have been able to slip into new territories unnoticed and maintain a low profile for so long.
- The Community policy should prioritize environmental protection, as the golden jackal, a newcomer to Germany and other European countries, thrives in various habitats and requires suitable environments for its survival.
- With golden jackals increasing in Europe and their lifestyle often leading to conflicts with home-and-garden activities, it's crucial to maintain a balance between conservation and coexistence to protect both the environment and the well-being of people.
