HE golden jackal (puppyWidespread in the Balkans, spreading rapidly in Europe for nearly two decades) was first detected in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Álava. In this way, if the existence of a stable population core of the golden jackal is confirmed, the wolf has found a competitor in our country.
The Provincial Council has confirmed that this golden jackal specimen was found on the territory of Álava. It was discovered by chance and as a result of an unfortunate hit-and-run.
As announced by the Álava State Assembly, the presence of a crushed shark was detected on 8 January on the A-1 national highway, at 379 kilometers, at the height of Agurain/Salvatierra.
The autopsy performed at the Martioda Wildlife Recovery Center (Álava) determined that he was not an Iberian wolf because his size and appearance did not match, and according to the analyzes he did not appear to be a cross with a dog.
The Martioda Improvement Center noted the possibility that this was an example of a coyote, but due to the novelty it contained, it had to be documented.
Did not come from a captive environment
Remains found in the stomach, hairs and parts of the boar also document that the boar confirms this. He could not come from captivity, lived in the wild.
For this reason, it was decided to complete the study with canine genetic analysis, from which ear and hair samples were taken, analyzed by the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Vitoria (University of the Basque Country). .
The DNA results concluded it was a specimen of the species. puppy (golden jackal).
The golden jackal is a medium-sized carnivore common in southern Eurasia and northern Africa. After the decline in the 1960s The species managed to recover and not only recolonized its old spread, but also spread to new areas.
The Álava State Council explained that the species is making rapid progress in Europe, a phenomenon similar to other large carnivores.
Between fox and wolf but omnivore
Golden coyotes thrive in landscapes dominated by humans. Its scavenger nature, predatory and omnivorous diet of small mammals causes its existence to go unnoticed. That’s why he calls himself the “ghost of the forests”.
Smaller than a wolf and has an omnivorous diet more like a fox (small animals, fruits, carrion and garbage) were ecologically interposed between both species.
Wolves rule jackals and jackals rule foxes. In fact, some researchers describe its current expansion as follows: Natural response to the disappearance of wolves in Europewhich will leave the place open for the coyote.
Experts are now trying to clarify the implications of the arrival of this invasive species on the Peninsula, especially if its presence is not limited to just an isolated specimen but consists of a more or less coherent group.
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Contact details of the environment department: [email protected]