A kind of jackal overview in France for the first time
Many species can travel hundreds, even thousands of kilometers from their natural habitats. This is the case of the golden jackal, a kind of canids from Asia, which arrived in France at the end of the 2010s, more precisely in 2017, according to the French Biodiversity Office (OFB).
However, it was only eight years later that an individual in this species was seen for the first time in Occitania. Indeed, the latter was identified in Hérault, in the south of France, last March, reports France 3 Occitanie. An exceptional meeting for an animal with a particular physique.
Wolf and fox tunes
How to recognize a golden jackal? It is not so simple, since it looks like a wolf, due to its muzzle. It can also be confused with a red fox, due to its fairly clear coat. Despite everything, its size can make it possible to differentiate it, since from the top of its 50 cm and 105 cm and a body length between 65 and 105 cm, it is larger than the red fox and smaller than the wolf.
Like the wolf or the fox, the golden jackal has no harmful impact on ecosystems, notably by promoting biodiversity. Some see this presence goodly since this animal has an interest in rodents, weakened or sick animals, or even carcasses, in addition to limiting the propagation of many diseases, according to The Mag of Animals.
An animal from the Balkans
This species of jackals arrived in France via the Balkans, as explained by Vincent Tarbouriech, head of the departmental service of OFB34: “”The golden jackal has arrived naturally, not by introduction of man as we have been able to do for other species. He is from Asia and arrived by the Balkans. ”
Also present in other European countries such as Italy or Germany, no status is assigned to it at the moment in France, as the member of OFB34 recalls. An in -depth study on the golden jackal is also expected, which will make it possible to better prepare your acclimatization in its new habitat, if it were to remain permanently on French territory.
Source: France 3 Occitanie
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
