The golden jackal, Canis aureus, may seem an exotic creature from a far-off country but the species has suddenly expanded its range into western Europe. Much smaller than a wolf but larger than a fox, the jackal will compete with both species for food and territory. The animals have been found as far north as Finland and Norway and have also reached Spain.
Genetic research shows the individual jackals studied had travelled at least 745 miles (1,200km) from their original homes, and sometimes twice as far. This is comparable with wolves looking for new territories.
