Wolves in Austria: Protection status drops - farmers breathe up!

Wolves in Austria: Protection status drops - farmers breathe up!

On December 3, a crucial turning point in Wolf protection policy could take place. In the constant committee of Berner Convention , which applies in 45 states, the reduction of the protection status of the wolf is up for debate. Agricultural state councilor Michaela Langer-Weninger (ÖVP) emphasizes that with over 20,000 wolves and an annual reproductive rate of 30 percent of the favorable state of maintenance. It was time to adapt the protection status to the actual circumstances and to take into account the interests of the farms.

according to meinbezirk.at To submit protection status and new hunting regulations. It is important to note that the final decision still requires the approval of the EU Parliament and the Member States in the Council. Until this process is completed, federal states and Upper Austria should continue to be able to remove problem wolves according to country regulations in order to protect the feeling of security of the population and agriculture.

future rules for wolf protection and hunting

The Bernese convention aims to protect wild plants and animals and their natural habitats, with particular attention to endangered species to integrate the wolf as part of the ecosystem. According to the manifesto of the convention, wolves have the right to exist as wild animals, which promotes the identification of suitable protective areas for the wolves. For this purpose, zones are recommended in which wolves are fully protected or in which a controlled removal according to management plans can be carried out.

The introduction of a wolf management regulation in Upper Austria was already regarded as an effective instrument for handling the wolf population in 2023. The State Councilor Langer-Weninger emphasizes that the pressure at the EU level must continue until the final decision to adapt the protection status in order to no longer classify the wolf as an endangered animal species.