Gold jackals conquer Germany: danger or just a new species?

Gold jackals conquer Germany: danger or just a new species?

In recent years, the gold jackal, a wild animal that is still unknown to many, has also established itself in Germany. Felix Böcker, a wildlife expert from the forestry and research institution (FVA) in Baden-Württemberg, told the German Press Agency that increased spread can be expected. This is particularly noteworthy, since over the past four to five years have increased evidence of the occurrence of these animals in the past four to five years. Scientists are therefore particularly attentive in terms of this development.

The gold jackal can easily be confused with a fox, but has some recognizable differences. His fur has a yellow -gray to reddish color and is less bushy than that of a fox. In addition, the tail is shorter and the typical black ear peaks are missing.

The spread of the gold jackal

Originally, the gold jackal comes from southeastern Europe and Asia. His advances to Western Europe, including Germany, could have been partially favored by climate change. Böcker pointed out that the first detection of a gold jackal was in Germany in 1997. In contrast, settlement in other countries like Hungary develops much faster; There it only took a short time from the first sightings to the nationwide settlement.

The spreading movement of the gold jackal can be clearly observed. However, the expert warned that there are currently hardly any concrete figures for the population of these animals in Germany. Above all, these are the challenges associated with monitoring and counting the wild animals.

Another interesting aspect is that the gold jackal has also been demonstrated in other Nordic countries such as Norway and Finland, which indicates the successful adaptation and spread of this kind in different climate zones.

ecosystem and interactions with humans

The effects of the gold jackal on domestic ecosystems have so far not been sufficiently examined. Böcker found that there is currently no evidence that the gold jackal appears as an invasive way that has negative effects on domestic fauna. This statement is important, since public opinion about newly appeared species often forms out of fear of their possible dangers.

The BUND for environmental and nature conservation (BUND) has also emphasized that gold jackals are not a threat to humans. They are generally shy and avoid contact with people. Their food mainly consists of smaller animals, such as mice, rats, rabbits and rabbits. Despite a certain endangerment of sheep in Germany, attacks on farm animals have so far been relatively rare.

The legal framework protect the gold jackal in this country, which means that a targeted hunt for these animals is not permitted. Experts have already made evidence of these animals in various circles in Baden-Württemberg and in Lower Saxony, but there are no clear evidence of their reproduction in Germany.