[Animals] The golden jackal, detected for the first time in the Iberian Peninsula

[Mockys.]

The golden jackal (Canis aureus), common in the Balkans, which since the end of the last century has spread to neighboring countries, has been detected for the first time in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in Álava.

It has been the Diputación that has certified the presence of this specimen of golden jackal in Álava lands, discovered by chance and as a result of an unfortunate hit-and-run.

The golden jackal advances through Europe and already crosses the Alps
As explained by the Álava Provincial Council, on January 8 the presence of a run over canid was detected on the A-1 national highway, at kilometer 379, at the height of Agurain/Salvatierra.

After the specimen was removed from the road, it was analyzed to determine what species it came from.

The necropsy carried out at the Martioda Wildlife Recovery Center (Álava) determined that it was not an Iberian wolf since the size and appearance did not match, and it did not appear to be a hybrid with a dog based on the analyzes carried out.

Given that its skull and face were destroyed, based on the characteristics of the animal and the biometric data, the Martioda Recovery Center pointed out the possibility that it could be a jackal, but it had to be certified due to the novelty it entailed.

The remains found in the stomach, hair and parts of the wild boar also certified that it could not come from captivity.

It was decided to complete the study with a genetic analysis of the canid, for which samples of an ear and hair were taken, which were analyzed by the Department of Zoology of the Faculty of Pharmacy of Vitoria (Basque Country University).

The DNA results concluded that it was a specimen of the species Canis aureus (golden jackal).

The golden jackal is a medium-sized carnivore widespread in southern Eurasia and northern Africa. After a decline in the 1960s, the species has managed to recover and not only recolonize its former range, but also expand into new areas.

The species is advancing rapidly through Europe, a phenomenon that is similar to that of other large carnivores, explained the Álava Provincial Council.

Golden jackals thrive in landscapes dominated by humans. Its scavenger nature, predator of small mammals and omnivorous diet, makes its presence go unnoticed, calling it "the ghost of the forests".

 

https://www.elperiodico.com/es/sociedad/20230329/chacal-dorado-detectado-primera-vez-peninsula-iberica-85363613