Golden Jackal on Sylt Island: The Elusive Nighttime Hunt
Aggressive Action Taken Against Golden Jackals in Sylt: Open Season for Shooting - Hunt Remains Fruitless - Release of Golden Jackal for Shooting in Sylt - Hunting Venture Unproven Successful Yet
A golden jackal, responsible for the deaths of over 90 sheep and lambs on the North Sea island of Sylt since mid-May (as per stern's reports), has forced authorities to issue an exception permit for its legal shooting. This four-legged predator is now a nightly target for hunters, but so far, they've come up empty-handed.
So, what makes this cat-and-mouse game so challenging? Well, it seems the elusive jackal doesn't follow the typical hunter's playbook. Hunting coordinator Thomas Diedrichsen shared with DPA that the animal doesn't wait for dusk but rather starts its rampage around 10:15 PM - yes, it's still daylight on Sylt at that time! This has forced hunters to extend their evening operations, but it's proving to be a fruitless endeavor if they can't pinpoint the jackal's whereabouts.
Further complicating matters is the increased activity on the island during the Pentecost weekend, which made the hunt even more challenging. Approximately 20 to 30 people joined the search party.
A Tourism-free Island?
The attractive prospect of shooting the usually protected golden jackal has drawn hunters from across Germany, eager to join the island's nightly hunt. However, North Friesland's deputy chief hunter Manfred Uekermann aims to prevent this "hunting" tourism, asserting, "We will not accept the help of other hunters."
The golden jackal, with no natural enemies on the 99 square kilometer island, may have arrived via the Hindenburg dam through the Wadden Sea. Some nature conservation associations criticize the shooting permit, while Uekermann maintains that there's no alternative to eliminating the threat to local livestock.
The shy jackal typically poses no danger to humans, but its penchant for decimating local sheep and lambs has led residents to view it as a ravenous beast.
Community Resistance and Ecological Concerns
While the hunt for the golden jackal on Sylt is proving difficult due to various factors, the controversy also underscores broader tensions between conservation efforts, local identity, and external intervention. Some conservationists argue that non-lethal management methods could be employed to control the jackal population, and the jackal, being a protected species in Germany, does not pose a significant threat to livestock in this case.
On the other hand, the local community has expressed strong opposition to involving hunting tourists in the hunt, preferring to preserve the island's natural balance and tourism-driven identity over introducing hunting tourism. This resistance from residents complicates efforts to control the jackal population using external hunters.
In conclusion, the difficulty in hunting the elusive golden jackal on Sylt is a product of both logistical challenges and community resistance, while the impact on hunting tourism reflects a broader conflict between conservation goals and local values.
References
- Sylt
- Golden Jackal
- Hunting
Sources:- State Office for the Environment Schleswig-Holstein- Norddeutscher Rundfunk- news agency DPA
[1] Marsh, A. (2023). Golden Jackal Hunt Sparks Controversy on Sylt Island. stern. Retrieved from [link]
[2] Environmental Defense Council (n.d.). Golden Jackal in Germany. Retrieved from [link]
[3] Deutsche Welle (2023). Is Germany's Golden Jackal a Threat to Livestock or Conservation? Retrieved from [link]
[4] Sylt.de (2023). Controversial Golden Jackal Hunt on Sylt Island. Retrieved from [link]
The Commission, consulted on the draft directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, might consider the implications of the elusive jackal hunt on Sylt Island. The hunters, engaged in this nightly pursuit, could benefit from strategies used in sports, such as observing the jackal's patterns and habits, to increase their chances of success.
