European Wolves Face Potential Loss of Protections Amid Population Surge

As the population of wolves in Europe hits over 20,000, the European Commission is considering a proposal that may lead to culls, inciting debates about wildlife management and conservation strategies.

A significant shift in wildlife policy is on the horizon as the European Commission proposes to alter the protective status of wolves in the EU, potentially allowing for culls of the growing population. Situated in the picturesque Carpathian mountains of Romania, shepherd József Rácz meticulously manages his herd of 500 ewes, aware of the constant threat posed by predators, particularly wolves. The impending decision to downgrade wolves from Annex II (strictly protected) to Annex III (protected) under the Bern Convention raises concerns among farmers and conservationists alike.

With wolf populations nearly doubling from 11,000 in 2012 to over 20,000 today, the Commission argues that increased livestock predation necessitates a review of current safeguards. Each EU member state would gain the authority to establish annual quotas for wolf culls should these protections be lifted. Rácz, who has resorted to employing 17 dogs for protection, acknowledges the toll the predators take on his sheep. He advocates for tougher legal measures to manage the wolf population.

Yet, wildlife advocates counter that there are more effective and humane strategies, such as enhancing protection with trained livestock guardian dogs. They point to the ecological benefits of wolves, including controlling populations of deer and wild boar, which can cause considerable agricultural damage. Michal Haring, a biologist, reinforces this view, asserting that wolves can help mitigate the spread of diseases like African swine fever.

A recent EU report highlights that wolves kill a mere 0.065% of Europe's sheep and goats annually, adding that there have been no fatal wolf attacks on humans for decades, prompting wildlife advocates to question the rationale behind potential culls. Laurent Schley, from the Luxembourg government, stresses that affluent countries should be prepared to coexist with wildlife, like wolves, just as they expect developing nations to protect charismatic species such as tigers and elephants.

In stark contrast, Rácz recalls the stark realities of wolf predation, including the loss of his beloved dog, caught in the day’s light by a pack of wolves. He shares a grim acknowledgment that as wolf numbers rise, the likelihood of losing more of his livestock increases, emphasizing the challenges that come with the balance of wildlife conservation and agricultural livelihoods in Europe.