The golden jackal, Canis aureus, may seem an exotic creature from a far-off country but the species has suddenly expanded its range into western Europe. Much smaller than a wolf but larger than a fox, the jackal will compete with both species for food and territory. The animals have been found as far north as Finland and Norway and have also reached Spain.
Genetic research shows the individual jackals studied had travelled at least 745 miles (1,200km) from their original homes, and sometimes twice as far. This is comparable with wolves looking for new territories.
Climate breakdown seems to be the driver of the expansion of the jackal’s normal territory, which is described as Eurasia. They are common in India and found in the Baltic states but there is also a population in Austria.
Finland has decided that since jackals arrived naturally, rather than being introduced, they should be classified as a native species and protected.
It is clear jackals could thrive in the UK, and could help keep the deer population under control, but they would have to be introduced.
Jackals live in pairs and sometimes have “helpers”. These are last year’s cubs, which stay with their parents and help to hunt and raise the next litter. Jackals keep clear of humans and are mainly nocturnal.
