WWF warns: is the end of the wolf protection in Austria?

WWF warns: is the end of the wolf protection in Austria?

Österreich, Land - On April 16, 2025, WWF Austria criticizes the latest decision by the national EU ambassadors: Inside to weaken the protection status for the wolf. According to OTS , WWF experts Christian Pichler calls an end to the "campaign against species protection" and is committed to herd protection offensive. The decision to relax the protection status, which still has to be confirmed in the Council of the EU and in the European Parliament, has no well -founded basis, says Pichler. This weakening could prove counterproductive because wolves play an essential role in the ecosystem.

wolves contribute to biodiversity, prevent the spread of diseases and regulate high wild stocks. Currently only five to seven wolf packs are active in Austria, which is far from a favorable state of conservation. The regular hunting of wolves remains excluded, as decided in July 2024 by the European Court of Justice.

EU proposal to downgrade the protection status

The European Commission has submitted a proposal to downgrade the wolf's protection status as part of the Flora-Fauna Habitat Directive (FFH-RL). This change, which came into force on March 6, 2025, follows a similar decision by the Bern Convention. The proposal encounters massive criticism of nature conservation experts and environmental organizations. According to wwf Germany there is worry that decisions are not based on scientific foundations, even though the wolf populations in many parts of Europe have experienced a recovery in the past 30 years.

Currently, however, the wolf's condition is assessed as unfavorable in many regions. According to Humane World for Animals Europe are loud, since measures such as easier shooting down wolves no significant improvements to reduce damage bring in pasture owners. Effective herd protection measures are considered the most effective means of reducing livestock losses.

challenges in dealing with wolf claims

For problem wolves already exist with legal regulations. However, farmers often do not learn about their claims to compensation for damage caused by predators. The current state state aid law regulations allow 100 % reimbursement, but bureaucratic delays are often a hurdle. The EU Commission is asked to accelerate the compensation procedures in order to ensure a fair and timely compensation for farmers.

While the nature conservation laws aim to protect over 1000 domestic species and 230 habitat types, Wolf Protection remains a particularly controversial topic. With the next FFH status rating by the Member States, which is to take place in the course of this year, it remains to be seen how the Situation will develop.