The Golden Jackal Conquers Western Europe
The golden jackal may appear to be an exotic creature from a distant land, but the species has suddenly expanded its range into Western Europe.
The golden jackal is much smaller than the wolf, but larger than the fox, and competes with both species for food and territory.
The animals have been found as far as Finland and Norway and have now also Spain reached.
Genetic studies show that the jackals examined were at least 1’200 km away from their original home, sometimes even twice as far. This is comparable to wolves seeking out new territories.
The reason for the spread of jackals within their ancestral territory, referred to as Eurasia, appears to be climate change. They are widespread in India, occur in the Baltic states, and there is a population in Austria.
Finland and Spain have decided that the jackal should be classified as a native species and protected, since it has not been introduced but has migrated naturally. It is therefore not a neozoon.
It is clear that jackals could also thrive in Switzerland and could help keep the deer population in check. However, they are repeatedly shot by hobby hunters because they are mistaken for foxes. Unlike in Austria, they are considered a protected species here.
Jackals live in pairs and sometimes have “helpers”. These are the young from the previous year, who remain with their parents and assist with hunting and raising the next litter. Jackals keep their distance from humans and are primarily nocturnal.
