Gold Jackal of Sylt Could Potentially be Shot
Is it legal to shoot the golden jackal on Sylt? Here's the verdict from the Administrative Court.
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After the Sylt golden jackal caused a spree of deaths among lambs, the question arises: Can it be hunted? The Administrative Court in Schleswig has made a decision on the matter.
The golden jackal, a foreign species in Germany, can once again be hunted. The Administrative Court has rejected the urgent application against the cull, citing a "permissible exception" to the killing ban. This exception aims to "prevent serious agricultural damage." The species protection permit for the cull will expire on 31 July.
The Court deems no better alternative
The court found that the animal had committed "excessive killings." In a specified time and place, the golden jackal had clearly killed a large number of sheep. Over 76 animals from the same herd were slaughtered in three instances in May, all attributable to the golden jackal. The court decided that there is no reasonable alternative to killing the animal, such as capture.
Potential Implications
This could be the first recorded shooting of a golden jackal in Germany, as stated by the German Hunting Association (DJV). An appeal against the decision (Az. 8 B 16/25) can be filed within two weeks with the Higher Administrative Court of Schleswig-Holstein.
Last week, the Administrative Court issued a temporary ban on hunting the golden jackal. A nature conservation association had turned to the court against the exception permit of the State Environment Agency. The ban was intended to ensure that no irreversible actions are taken before a decision is made.
The golden jackal's disappearance
The golden jackal hasn't been seen on the island for some time. There have been no further killing incidents until recently. However, the Ministry of the Environment doesn't expect the animal to have left Sylt.
Local reports suggest over 90 animals were killed, with the last ones near List. However, further killings beyond the 76 weren't reported in time to collect reliable DNA samples for testing, according to a ministry spokeswoman.
It's a contentious issue, with the golden jackal's protection status, hunting regulations, and ethical considerations at play. In Germany, while golden jackals are generally protected species, their status as a non-native species complicates matters. In practice, local opinions and resources play a significant role in management decisions - such as the decision to bar hunting tourists from shooting jackals on the island.
Regardless of the legal technicalities, the death toll has raised concerns about the golden jackal's presence on Sylt and action required to protect the island's ecosystem and economy. The debate will likely continue, with various actors advocating for non-lethal management techniques and conservation efforts.
[1] DW (2021, June 17). Golden Jackal in Sylt: Protests Against Hunting Tourism for Animal. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/golden-jackal-in-sylt-protests-against-hunting-tourism-for-animal/a-58140988
[2] European Nature Heritage Fund (n.d.). Golden Jackal. Retrieved from https://natura2000.eu/species/Golden-Jackal-Canis-aureus
- The Administrative Court's decision allows for the hunting of the golden jackal, citing the need to prevent serious agricultural damage.
- The golden jackal, having caused excessive killings of sheep, cannot be captured as a reasonable alternative, according to the court.
