Caught on Sylt: Germany's First Golden Jackal Hunt - An Unexpected Twist in Europe's Wildlife
Rare Sighting of a Golden Jackal on Sylt Island: Unusual Occurrence Examined - Unusual occurrence on Sylt Island: Sighting of a golden jackal.
The island of Sylt just got a new resident - a golden jackal. Sounds unbelievable? Believe it! There have been around 20 to 30 hunters on the hunt for this unexpected visitor, as per Manfred Uekermann, the deputy chief gamekeeper of North Friesland. While it might seem like a wild tale, this would be the first officially approved jackal hunt in Germany, according to the German Hunting Association (DJV).
You might think jackals only roam the steppe, right?
Surprisingly, golden jackals (Canis aureus) - unlike the wolf, which once roamed these lands before extinction - have become newcomers to Germany and other European countries. These furry creatures are particularly common in the Near East, India, and other regions of Asia. But Europe has been their lucky second home lately.
European Jackals on the Rise
Originally, golden jackals inhabited mainly the southeastern Balkans. But they're making a beeline for the north and westward expansion. As they venture into new territories, they're becoming more common, with Germany, the Netherlands, and parts of France now welcoming these new furry visitors.
From Predator to Prey: The Fate of Sylt's Lambs
The golden jackal spotted on Sylt has left a trail of destruction in its wake, causing havoc for local livestock. To prevent further damage to sheep and farmland, an exception permit has been issued by the State Office for the Environment in Schleswig-Holstein.
Golden jackals are highly protected under the Federal Species Protection Ordinance. In general, they're not hunted, but due to the threat this particular jackal poses, the exception was granted. Environment Minister Tobias Goldschmidt explains, "Preventing damage to livestock, protecting ground-nesting birds, and preserving coastal protection all factor into my support for this exception permit."
In Defense of Sheep: A Key Player in Coastal Protection
Sheep are an essential piece of the natural dyke protection puzzle in many regions. Their grazing habits help control erosion on the coast by creating a short grass cover and compacting the soil with their movement. In addition, they keep young trees at bay, protecting the environment further.
Why Does the Jackal Kill More Than It Eats?
The jackal's predatory behavior is often exaggerated when it comes to enclosed spaces like farms. Its prey instinct triggers repeatedly when it sees the animals it's targeting, resulting in multiple kills. This behavior is common not only with golden jackals but also with other predators like wolves, martens, and foxes that invade chicken coops.
No Mistake - It's a Jackal!
There's no room for questioning - the jackal on Sylt is responsible for the approximately 100 attacks on sheep since May 19. DNA samples have confirmed the culprit, and there's video evidence, too. Loose dogs occasionally cause such damage, but genetic testing set the record straight in this case.
Sylt's Secret Invasion
So, how did the golden jackal find its way to this remote island? Sylt is connected to the mainland via the approximately eight-kilometer-long Hindenburg Dam. Deer and other species have been known to use this dam as a passage to the island. Canine species, including the golden jackal, can swim, too.
But are golden jackals appearing everywhere in Germany?
Almost! The first confirmed sightings were in southern Brandenburg in 1997, followed by dozens of sightings in more and more federal states. As of now, no overall numbers for Germany have been reported yet, but they're continually growing.
The European Jackal: A New Era for European Wildlife
According to the Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe (LCIE), golden jackals are not only spreading in Central, Western, and Northern Europe, but also covering vast distances of several hundred kilometers in search of new territories, as per the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU). As a result, there are now about 150,000 golden jackals in Europe. For comparison, the wolf population in the region is estimated at 23,000.
Fear Not the Golden Jackal
Have no fear! Golden jackals avoid human contact and pose no threat. They're even safe for adult cattle or horses. However, smaller livestock like sheep or goats may be at risk.
Spotting the Golden Jackal
The golden jackal (Canis aureus) is larger than a fox but smaller than a wolf. Weighing about ten kilograms, it has a bushy tail like a fox, yellow-grey fur, and is often mistaken for a slender dog. Its tail tip is usually dark, not light, and it emits whining, howling, and barking sounds to communicate.
The golden jackal's stealthy and elusive nature makes direct observations rare. Most evidence comes from camera traps.
Understanding the Behavior and Diet of Golden Jackals
Golden jackals tend to live in family groups consisting of parents and younger offspring. Older youngsters eventually disperse and seek their own territories. They prefer wetlands and can adapt to various habitats and cultural landscapes.
As omnivores, they feed on small mammals, amphibians, fish, insects, carrion, and plant matter like apples and fruits. They hunt like foxy stalkers, making sudden pounces on their prey.
- In light of the increasing sightings of golden jackals in Germany and other European countries, it is crucial for community policy to address environmental protection and the potential impact on local livestock, such as sheep, to ensure harmony between wildlife and human lifestyles, especially in home-and-garden settings.
- As the golden jackal population continues to expand across Europe, understanding their behavior and diet, which includes a variety of foods from small mammals to plant matter, can aid in the implementation of effective environmental protection strategies, ensuring the health and well-being of both the environment and the wildlife that inhabit it.
