The decision to downgrade wolf protection reflects a growing tension between conservation efforts and agricultural interests in Europe.
Environmental organizations are concerned that increased hunting could lead to a decline in wolf populations and disrupt their social structures.
Local management and education for farmers are suggested as more effective solutions than increased culling.
If the amendment is adopted without objections, it may lead to increased hunting of wolves in several EU countries.
The new assessment of wolf populations in France could influence future policies on culling and conservation efforts.
Continued pressure from farmers may result in further downgrading of protections for other wildlife species in the future.
Council of Europe Approves Downgrading Wolf Protection
The Standing Committee of the Bern Convention, part of the Council of Europe, has voted to approve the European Union's request to downgrade the protection status of wolves from "strictly protected" to "protected". This decision, made during a meeting in Strasbourg, will take effect in three months unless 17 member countries object. The EU argues that the wolf population in Europe has significantly increased, with estimates suggesting around 20,300 individuals as of 2023, particularly in the Balkans, Nordic countries, Italy, and Spain. The EU claims that this population growth indicates the species' resilience and adaptability, although it has led to growing conflicts with agricultural activities, especially livestock farming.
Implications of the Downgrade
The downgrading of the wolf's protection status has raised concerns among environmental organizations and wildlife advocates. Critics, including representatives from WWF-France, warn that this change could lead to increased hunting and culling of wolves, potentially destabilizing their social structures and leading to more aggressive behavior towards livestock. Currently, wolves can be killed under specific conditions to protect herds, but the proposed changes could broaden the circumstances under which hunting is permitted. In France, for instance, the wolf population has seen a 9% decline over the past year, with approximately 20% of the population culled annually. Environmentalists argue that local management and education for farmers are more effective solutions than increased hunting.
Future of Wolf Management in Europe
As the amendment to the Bern Convention awaits ratification, the future of wolf management in Europe remains uncertain. French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has indicated that a new assessment of the wolf population in France, expected by the end of 2024, could be pivotal in determining future culling policies. The decision to downgrade protection raises critical questions about the balance between wildlife conservation and agricultural interests, as well as the long-term sustainability of wolf populations across Europe.