Overview

• On June 19, the Schleswig-Holstein Administrative Court rejected an injunction and ruled that an exception to species-protection laws allows the golden jackal to be hunted on Sylt.
• The environment ministry issued the permit on June 5 to prevent further livestock losses after the jackal killed at least 76 lambs in three incidents earlier this month.
• Conservation groups have filed an immediate appeal with the Higher Administrative Court, challenging the use of a lethal measure against a protected species.
• Authorities report no recent sightings of the jackal but believe it remains on the island and continues to threaten sheep that play a key role in coastal dike maintenance.
• Legal experts say the outcome could set a precedent for how German courts balance strict wildlife protections with agricultural interests as the jackal’s range expands.