Wolves in Austria: Protection status reduced - farmers celebrate decision!

Wolves in Austria: Protection status reduced - farmers celebrate decision!

Laimgrubengasse 10, 1060 Wien, Österreich - The constant committee of the Bern Convention has now taken a historically significant step towards reducing the protection status of wolves. According to information from OTS , where it is considered strictly protected in Appendix III classified it in a "protected" status. This decision was welcomed by 27 EU member states and 11 other contracting states. Farmers' association President Georg Strasser was pleased with this development because it paves the way for active wolf management, which is particularly important for agriculture.

The reduction in protection status comes at the request of the EU, which can thus adapt the Flora-Fauna Habitat Directive (FFH guideline). The Council of Europe in Strasbourg stated that it only takes three months for these changes to become effective, unless a third of the signatories raise an objection. This loosening of protection could give the Member States more scope to hunt wolves, while the preservation of the overall population is guaranteed. Strasser emphasizes that it is important to take the worries of farmers seriously and to point out the dangers of exponential wolf population, which can not only threaten agricultural farms, but also the safety of the population, as in Salzburg24 is noted.

consequences for agriculture

The return of the wolves is presented by Strasser as a significant burden on agriculture, especially in the Alpine regions, where the protection of pastures is hindered by a variety of challenges. He criticizes the arguments raised by animal welfare organizations that herd protection measures such as fences and herd protection dogs are sufficient to prevent wolf attacks. Instead, he sees the traditional alpine pasture and pasture economy seriously. The persistent increase in wolf population could also affect the acceptance and security of rural life.

Overall, the decision to reduce protection status is a turning point in dealing with wolves. While the EU gains more flexibility in hunting for animals, the concerns of farmers, residents and nature users are in the foreground. The coming months could be decisive for how effectively the measures to regulate the wolf population can be implemented.