In a significant and contentious decision, European Union member states have voted to lower the protection status of wolves, a move that has sparked intense debate among conservationists, farmers, and policymakers.
On Wednesday, representatives from the EU’s 27 member countries supported a proposal to change the protection status of grey wolves from “strictly protected” to “protected” under an international wildlife convention. This change is aimed at addressing the increasing conflicts between wolf populations and human activities, particularly in rural areas where livestock losses have become a pressing issue.
Grey wolves, which were nearly exterminated in Europe a century ago, have made a remarkable recovery thanks to stringent conservation efforts. As of 2023, there are breeding packs in 23 EU countries, with an estimated total population of around 20,300 animals. This resurgence has brought wolves into more frequent contact with humans, leading to increased tensions between conservation goals and the needs of livestock farmers.
The European Commission, which initiated the proposal, argues that adapting the protection status is necessary to balance the conservation of wolves with the challenges posed by their growing population. Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the concentration of wolf packs in certain regions as a significant danger to livestock, a concern that was personally underscored when her family’s pony was killed by a wolf in northern Germany last year.
Under the current 1979 Bern Convention, to which the EU is a party, wolves can only be killed or captured if they pose a threat to livestock, health, or safety. The proposed change would loosen these rules, allowing for regulated hunting of wolves. This move has been welcomed by farmers and hunting groups, who see it as a necessary step to protect their livelihoods. For instance, the pan-European farmers group Copa-Cogeca and the FACE European Hunting Federation have praised the decision as a major step forward in managing wolf populations and achieving harmonious coexistence.
However, the decision has been vehemently opposed by more than 300 environmental and animal protection organizations. These groups argue that the downgrade is premature and not based on scientific evidence. They contend that while wolf populations have grown, their recovery is still ongoing, and there is no evidence that culling wolves reduces depredation on farmed animals. Instead, they advocate for other prevention measures such as fencing to protect livestock.
Sabien Leemans, a senior policy officer at the WWF, expressed strong criticism, stating that the proposal is “politically motivated and not at all based on science.” Leemans also warned that this change could open a “Pandora’s box,” potentially leading to similar relaxations in hunting rules for other protected species like brown bears.
Despite the controversy, the EU’s decision reflects the complex interplay between conservation, human safety, and economic interests. A 2023 EU report noted that the overall impact of wolves on livestock is relatively small, with only 0.065% of the EU’s 60 million sheep being killed by wolves annually, and approximately €18 million paid in compensation for wolf damages each year. However, the report also acknowledged that these losses can be concentrated in specific areas, causing significant local impacts.
The next step involves the EU seeking to amend the Bern Convention at its standing committee meeting in December, which requires a two-thirds majority. If successful, the European Commission will then proceed to amend related EU rules to reflect the new protection status.
As this development unfolds, it is clear that the fate of Europe’s wolf population hangs in the balance. The Furry Refuge community is encouraged to stay informed and engage in the ongoing discussion about the delicate balance between conservation and human needs.
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Source: EU backs plan to downgrade wolf protection status – RFI
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