Wolves in Europe Face Potential Loss of Protections Amid Population Growth

As the population of grey wolves in Europe nearly doubles, farmers and conservationists clash over proposed changes to their protection status.

In a significant shift, the European Commission is poised to alter the status of grey wolves, potentially removing the long-standing protections they have enjoyed for 45 years. The proposed change would move wolves from Annex II (strictly protected) to Annex III (protected) of the Bern Convention, permitting each EU country to establish annual quotas for culling wolves if the proposal passes.

In Romania's Carpathian mountains, shepherd József Rácz reveals the realities of livestock farming amidst a growing wolf population. He tends to 500 sheep, facing losses of five or six animals annually to wolves and bears, leading him to employ 17 dogs for protection. Rácz states, "A good dog is the best tool a shepherd has," highlighting the vital role of these animals in safeguarding his flock against wildlife threats.

The European Commission cites a considerable increase in the wolf population from 11,000 in 2012 to over 20,000 today as justification for reconsidering their protected status. However, critics argue that enhanced non-lethal methods, such as trained livestock guardian dogs, could better serve to mitigate the impact of wolves rather than resorting to culls.

Biologist Michal Haring, attending a recent conference in Baile Tusnad, underscores the ecological benefits wolves provide, including regulating deer and wild boar populations and suppressing disease. Haring notes, “Wolves cannot catch [African swine fever],” emphasizing their role in disease control within the ecosystem.

Campaigners also highlight a 2023 EU report which indicates that only a mere 0.065% of Europe’s sheep and goats fall prey to wolves each year. Additionally, there have been no recorded fatal wolf attacks on humans in the past four decades.

Laurent Schley, head of wildlife in Luxembourg, argues that wealthier European nations should tolerate the presence of wolves, just as developing countries protect their big cats and elephants. “Human safety always comes first,” he acknowledges, but he urges a broader acceptance of wolves in European landscapes.

Despite these views, Rácz maintains that wolves pose a significant threat to his sheep, recounting the devastating loss of his beloved dog, Moody, to a wolf attack. As the balance between conservation and livestock protection continues to be debated, the future of wolves in Europe hangs in the balance, raising important questions about ecological stewardship and agricultural livelihoods.