First gold jackal in Rhineland-Palatinate proven
For the first time, a gold jackal in Rhineland-Palatinate has been detected. Pictures of a photo trap in the Palatinate Forest delivered the evidence, the Ministry of Environment said in Mainz. It is still unclear whether the species will permanently establish itself in the country. Since gold jackals could also attack pasture animals, further development is observed very closely.
« The appearance of the wild animal is a sign of ecological diversity and it shows that our landscape offers intact habitats in order to be able to give wild animals a new home, » said Environment Minister Katrin Eder (Greens).
From South and Southeast Europe to Central Europe
The gold jackal (Canis Aureus) is the only jackal that occurs in Europe. It is slightly larger than a fox and has an pointed -up ear. The animals mostly live in pairs or in small family grumbles, they are particularly active at night and at dusk. According to the German Wildlife Foundation, the food spectrum ranges from crops to insects and amphibians to fish, small birds and small mammals.
Gold jackals are larger than foxes and have a yellow-gray fur. Photo: Shutterstock
It was not surprising that a copy in Rhineland-Palatinate was sighted, the ministry said. In the past decades, the type of South and Southeast Europe has become more and more common in Central Europe. In 1997 there was the first documented proof in Germany in Brandenburg.
Not dangerous for people
In Baden-Württemberg, the propagation of the species has already been demonstrated. According to the Ministry of the Environment, there are also evidence in the Nordelsass bordering on Rhineland-Palatinate. In Schleswig-Holstein, the gold jackal is also spreading. There, the shooting of an animal of the particularly protected species had recently been approved after numerous lambs tore it on Sylt.
According to the Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LFU), the gold jackal is not a danger for people. It is a shy animal that avoids contact with people. Encounters with gold jackals are generally rare because they are shy and mainly active at dusk or at night.
A lot of vertebrae around the gray golf course visitor
Versatile meal schedule
The gold jackal is an omnivore and adapts its feeding behavior to the availability of the season and the surrounding area. He goes to food at night and at dusk alone or in small groups. Preferred prey are small to medium -sized mammals, but also amphibians, insects, fish, carcasses and vegetable food. It also happens that the gold jackal is fed by waste (such as slaughterhouse waste). Depending on the season, he also eats vegetable food such as corn, berries or grapes.
The gold jackal is flexible in its habitat choice and can adapt well to different circumstances. However, he tends to avoid open and wood -free landscapes. It finds good conditions and enough food in a richly structured agricultural landscape and in wetlands.
Source: German Wildlife Foundation
