Wolves in Schleswig-Holstein: Landtag loosens protection status massively!

Wolves in Schleswig-Holstein: Landtag loosens protection status massively!

Kiel, Deutschland - The debate about wolf protection in Schleswig-Holstein gained dynamics after the EU representatives voted for a downgrading of the protection status at the end of the past month. On Friday, the state parliament in Kiel followed this step and spoke out for a less strict regulation. The government coalitions were convinced that dealing with the wolf in the state was already well regulated.

Through the decision of the EU, which the Federal Government also carries, the wolf should only be considered a "protected animal" instead of "strictly protected" as before. This is a major change. The application of the FDP to take over this regulation for Schleswig-Holstein was blocked in the state parliament, and only the downgrading of the protection status was approved. This decision shows the division of opinions within the parties and society about dealing with the wolf.

wolves in Schleswig-Holstein: A controversial topic

As part of its application, the FDP not only called for the change in protection status, but also the creation of inventory management. Accordingly, wolves should be hunted regardless of the damage caused. In addition, dikes should be determined as wolf -free zones. However, these suggestions were hardly supported in the state parliament and ultimately remained unsafe.

Environment Minister Tobias Goldschmidt pointed out by the Greens that no so-called hybrid wolves have been detected in Schleswig-Holstein. Hybrid wolves are intersections between wolves and dogs. This means that only cracks are still recognized by real wolves, while those are not included in the statistics by hybrids. Experts estimate that less than one percent of the wolf population is due to hybrid all over Germany.

The CDU also speaks up and supports the FDP's demands for adapted hunting legislation and wolf -free zones. MP Hauke Götsch emphasizes that this is not about the extermination of the animals, but about a harmonious coexistence between wolf and humans. Reference is also made to the changes in hunting law, which make Schleswig-Holstein appear to be well prepared.

On the other hand, the Greens and the SPD, which criticize the FDP's plans as inadequate and not expediently. Silke Backsen from the Greens describes the idea of wolf -free zones as a "sham solution" and emphasizes that there are more important measures such as herd protection and preventive compensation payments for pasture holders. Their argument is based on the view that the wolf must continue to be considered a protected species even after a downgrading of protection status.

Environment Minister Goldschmidt is confronted with the challenge of managing the wolf as part of the shell game in Schleswig-Holstein. Three wolf cracks have already been registered this year, whereby there were no suitable wolf -repellent fences. Outside of this framework, a survey shows that three quarters of the Germans represent the opinion that wolves belonged to the natural landscape, with about two thirds of the population classify the public discussions as exaggerated.

The decision of the state parliament not only influenced the fate of the wolves in the state, but also the paths, how to deal with grazing animals and the security of rural areas. The discussion about the wolf is colorful and includes different voices and perspectives, but the search for a sustainable solution remains central.

The social argument will continue to remain exciting, especially in view of the recent sightings of wolves in various regions, such as the Sachsenwald, where a new pack was discovered. It remains to be seen whether the adjustments in wolf protection will continue to conflicts or possibly promote a new compromise. However, the state parliamentary votes of this kind undoubtedly have the potential to redefine different interests and the relationship between people and nature in Schleswig-Holstein.

These developments show that dealing with wolves is not only a question of nature conservation, but also has social and economic effects. Therefore, an open discourse on the rights and obligations of all groups involved is essential. Further information on the topic can be found here .