Golden jackal on Sylt: hunting permit causes heated debate!

Golden jackal on Sylt: hunting permit causes heated debate!

In the last few weeks, the golden jackal has caused a lot of excitement on Sylt. Since May 19th, a worrying picture has emerged: over 90 sheep, including many lambs, have been killed by these wild animals. This led to the action of the State Office for the Environment in Schleswig-Holstein, which issued an exemption under species protection law on June 5th, which is valid until July 31st. This permit allows the shooting of the golden jackal as it poses a significant threat to local agriculture, particularly during the breeding and breeding season, particularly to dike sheep farming, which is important for coastal protection. According to reports from the World However, the WWF questions the approval. They criticize the lack of reliable research that proves the negative influence of these wild animals on ground-nesting birds.

The discussion about the launch permit is anything but trivial. Environment Minister Tobias Goldschmidt (Greens) gave several reasons for the shooting. These include the protection of livestock, the threat to ground-nesting birds and the role of dyke farming in coastal protection. However, the nature conservation associations are divided: While some agree to the shooting, others consider the reasons to be questionable. Comparisons with similar applications for the wolf, which were declared inadmissible by the courts, illustrate the complexity of this issue.

The situation on Sylt

Again daily news Reportedly, the golden jackal, which was again active on a farm on Sylt on the night of Friday, June 6th, was responsible for injuring and killing a lamb. Affected shepherds try to protect their animals by alerting hunters and using night vision devices to track down the golden jackal. The hunters' experience also suggests that it will be a challenge to shoot the animal because it is nocturnal and very sensitive to smell. According to Manfred Uekermann, the deputy district hunter, the hunt for this newcomer will be a real test of patience for the hunters involved.

The controversial hunt for the golden jackal also has a broader social dimension. Wildlife ecologist Felix Böcker emphasizes that the golden jackal poses no direct threat to humans. However, it poses a threat to grazing and farm animals. It often happens that the golden jackal kills more prey than it actually eats - a behavior known as “surplus killing”. This could have devastating consequences for sheep farming on Sylt.

A new resident in Germany

Golden jackals, originally from the Middle East and Asia, are a relatively new phenomenon in Germany, having arrived on the island via the Hindenburg Dam. The first confirmed evidence dates back to 1997. They have now spread to various federal states, including Lower Saxony and Baden-Württemberg. Their behavior and adaptability make it easy for them to integrate into new habitats. Their population in Europe is estimated at around 150,000, while the number of wolves is around 23,000.

The hunt for the golden jackal in Germany could become significantly more legally controversial in the future. As the WWF explains, the legal situation has not yet been sufficiently clarified to legitimize such an act across the board. Critics emphasize the lack of comprehensive research on the impact of individual animal removal on the overall population. It remains to be seen whether the measure will be fruitful or whether it will only lead to a short-term improvement. One thing is certain, however: the last word has not yet been spoken in the debate about the golden jackal on Sylt.