Wolf protection in Europe: controversial decision causes excitement!

Wolf protection in Europe: controversial decision causes excitement!

The wolves in Europe are on the rise! According to the last information from the Council of Europe, the wolf population has almost doubled in the past ten years and has now reached around 20,300 animals. This goes hand in hand with a drastic increase in the farm animals killed by wolves, which is estimated at at least 65,000 per year. Under this pressure, the signatory states of the Bern Convention decided to lower the protection status of the wolf from "strictly protected" to "protected", which is a turning point for many in the debate about the wolf management, as described in detail in a report by ORF Carinthia and Salzburg24

background and opinions on the changes

This decision has already caused heated discussions. While the Carinthian Chamber of Agriculture celebrates the step and believes that common sense has won over ideology, nature conservation organizations such as WWF Austria show clear concerns. WWF expert Christian Pichler emphasizes that the reduction in protection status is a "wrong signal" and a populist attack on species protection. The need for a well-planned herd protection offensive is considered urgent to guarantee the protection of farm animals.

The reactions in politics are divided: farmers and politicians like Martin Gruber (ÖVP) cheer on the decision because they consider the spread of the wolves to be irresponsible. Gruber says that it is now at the EU Commission to adapt the FFH directive. Agriculture Minister Norbert Tettschnig sees this regulation an “important milestone” to ensure that the wolf population regulates easier. At the same time, adequate regulation is required to protect farmers' interests, as in the explanation of LH-StV. Marlene Svazek is highlighted.

Nevertheless, the criticism of the procedure does not fail to do: Animal welfare organizations, including animal protection Austria, warn of the dangerous consequences of this decision for species protection and describe it as a sign of democratic failure. According to surveys, most people support the existing strict protection status for wolves, which further fuels the discussion about political decisions. The next three months will be decisive because a third of the signatories could take a veto during this time, although this is considered unlikely.