Another sign of the feverish planet: golden jackals, Canis aureus [photo credit: Getty Images] from Central Asia have crossed the Alps and migrated into western Europe. Biologists believe their migration is due to global warming and the decline of rival species. Hunters in the Haute-Savoie region of France reported seeing the canines, and experts confirmed the sighting after examining photos from camera traps located on the Swiss border. The animals have been migrating westward since the 1980's from Asia. They flourished in eastern and southern European countries since their competitor, the wolf, has declined in numbers due to persecution. Despite culling of 40 wolves this autumn, about 10,000 sheep were reported killed by predation in France. Wolves re-inhabited France about twenty-five years ago. French wildlife officials said the eventual appearance of jackals was expected. Jackals, about a third of a wolf in size, compete with foxes for small prey and will take lambs, but adult sheep are generally too big for the slim canine.
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Jackals Cross Alps
Another sign of the feverish planet: golden jackals, Canis aureus [photo credit: Getty Images] from Central Asia have crossed the Alps and migrated into western Europe. Biologists believe their migration is due to global warming and the decline of rival species. Hunters in the Haute-Savoie region of France reported seeing the canines, and experts confirmed the sighting after examining photos from camera traps located on the Swiss border. The animals have been migrating westward since the 1980's from Asia. They flourished in eastern and southern European countries since their competitor, the wolf, has declined in numbers due to persecution. Despite culling of 40 wolves this autumn, about 10,000 sheep were reported killed by predation in France. Wolves re-inhabited France about twenty-five years ago. French wildlife officials said the eventual appearance of jackals was expected. Jackals, about a third of a wolf in size, compete with foxes for small prey and will take lambs, but adult sheep are generally too big for the slim canine.