Norway has got a new predator:
A four-legged predator, similar to a wolf, was first caught on a game camera in northern Norway in 2019.
It would turn out to be a golden jackal. A predator, which in terms of size is between a fox and a wolf.
Since 2019, the observations have continued, and it has now been proven that there are two golden jackals that have permanent residence in Norway.
– The individuals have been here for three years. It indicates that they will still be here, says Erik Lund, senior adviser in the Norwegian Environment Agency to TV 2.
– Is it desirable?
– We have nothing to indicate that it is unwanted. Now there are two individuals, and likely males. It is not unlikely that there will be more, he says further.
This is a golden jackal
- The golden jackal is a relative of the wolf and domestic dog. Appearance is similar to wolf, but it is much smaller.
- It has primarily been widespread in a more southern area from Italy in the west to Thailand in the east.
- In recent years, there have been several observations further north, including in Finland.
- It is not a true art, and the population in Europe was estimated at 70,000 in 2016.
Animals and species that have established themselves in Norway with the help of humans are considered alien species.
This does not apply to the golden jackal, because it has migrated naturally. Therefore, it is not allowed to shoot or move the predator.
More wolves and bears
With climate change, Norway may have more animals, writes the Norwegian Environment Agency in a press release this month.
– Nature must essentially be allowed to change in step with natural processes and also adapt to climate change. We should not immediately step in and stop changes in species’ distribution areas, says Ivar Myklebust, head of department in the Norwegian Environment Agency in the press release.
According to Jarl Werner Bjerke, this is just the beginning. We will see more species and animals in Norway.
He is a senior researcher at Nina, Norwegian Institute for Natural Sciences.
– In Norway, winter has created limitations for the survival and reproduction of “exotic” animal species. Since winter is already in a strong state of change, it can lead to increased immigration and the establishment of new animal species in Norway, explains Bjerke.
The changes could make Norway more suitable for animals we don’t otherwise have. It could be bison from Poland and Belarus.
– More mammals will migrate north, because it will be uncomfortably hot where the species currently live, and because the climate will be more suitable in Norway. There will be species that migrate north, which are adapted to cold winters. We can call these animals climate refugees, says the researcher.
– For example, European bison may feel the urge to migrate north. The species is found today in Poland and Belarus where it can be a real “Norwegian” winter, he says further.
There may also be more animals of species we already have.
– It can be thought that southern populations of lynx, brown bear and wolf will migrate from the south and north into Norway. It is not unusual for people to cross borders, but climate change can lead to increased border crossings, he says.
Bjerke clarifies that the golden jackal has not necessarily come to Norway because of climate change, although it may also be a contributing factor.
On a hike
Lund in the Norwegian Environment Agency cannot guarantee that the golden jackal will stay in Norway.
– It can wander back, or stay so long that it dies naturally. Both individuals have been in the same area for the third year. This suggests that it has no major thoughts about moving, says Lund in the Norwegian Environment Agency.
Lund says that they will follow local observations, with the help of the public and the messages from the Norwegian Nature Inspectorate, to see if the golden jackal stays in the country.