Golden Jackal: Wildlife Species Colonises Canton of Fribourg

In June 2020, several observations of golden jackals were made within a single week in the canton of Fribourg. This species, a medium-sized member of the family Canidae, is colonising Switzerland from countries to the east.

Within one week, two observations of the golden jackal (Canis aureus) were confirmed in two regions of the canton of Fribourg several kilometres apart. The first direct sighting took place on 19 June in the area of the game reserve Dent de Lys, the second on 26 June in the municipality of Le Mouret. In both cases the animal was observed during the day, which indicates a male individual searching for a new territory, the canton writes in a press release.

Golden Jackal Spreading Across Switzerland

The most recent observation of the species in the canton of Fribourg occurred on 2 December 2019, when a carcass was found on the cantonal road between Galmiz and Sugiez.

The colonisation by the golden jackal is under way. It is very likely that further individuals will appear in our canton. Several factors are influencing this natural expansion of the species' range, including global warming, the decline of natural predators, and the animals' remarkable capacity for long-distance dispersal. Since the golden jackal arrived in Switzerland by natural means, it is legally classified as a native species and is protected in the same way as the bear, wolf, or lynx.protected.

Omnivore with a Highly Developed Social Life

The golden jackal belongs to the family Canidae, with a range extending from Southeast Asia through the Middle East to Europe. Completely harmless to humans, it resembles a medium-sized dog with a bushy coat. It is an omnivore, and its diet is very similar to that of the fox. The golden jackal usually lives in pairs or small packs and has a highly developed social life. The wolf is one of its natural enemies. The return of the predators to Switzerland enriches the ecosystem.