Wolves under pressure: Tyrolean government plans controversy shooting!

Wolves under pressure: Tyrolean government plans controversy shooting!

The debate about the wolf in Tyrol is heading: While the Tyrolean state government, led by the ÖVP, pursues an aggressive shooting strategy, the nature conservation association advocates protective measures and herd protection. The state government is currently planning to increase the number of wolves to be shooted and to introduce a "Tyrolean model" to establish a practical launch practice. The wolf's protection status has already been downgraded by "strictly protected" to "protected", with the aim of further reducing it.

This year 20 of a total of around 80,000 sheep were killed by wolves in Tyrol. In view of these figures, Governor Anton Mattle and State Councilor Josef Geisler are demanding wolf management with annual shooting rates. A nationality in the assessment of the wolf population is also required, since current data indicate the existence of nine wolf groaks in Austria, the highest number since the wolf was returned to the country.

criticism of wolf management

The nature conservation association vehemently speaks out against the plans of the Tyrolean state government and instead relies on herd protection and intensive monitoring. According to a current status report, a total of six wolf pack lived in 2023, as many as in the previous year. 18 puppies were recorded in these packs. The return of the wolf to Austria poses potential for a conflict -poor coexistence, but current management and information show considerable gaps.

A lack of specialist staff to monitor the wolf population is identified as a pressing problem. The political focus is currently on simplification of the shooting regulations, which alerts the nature conservation association. According to many experts, arbitrary kills could not only endanger wolf population, but also lead to increased cracks in pastures, especially when parent animals are shot down.

future prospects and international obligation

Austria is obliged to protect the wolf as an EU member and observe its existence. A correct management structure includes monitoring, herd protection and public relations. More specialist staff in the responsible state authorities are also necessary. However, politics is under pressure to take into account the current stocks and the potential immigration of other wolves from neighboring countries in order to guarantee a sustainable and peaceful participation of the habitat for humans and animals.

With the wolves in Austria, the future of pasture farming and alpine pasture falls. The nature conservation association appeals to a balance between damage prevention and the protection of such wild animals in order to make a conflict -free coexistence possible. An instrument in it should be an increased public relations work that promotes understanding and factual cooperation without using hasty kills.

For the further measures to assess and handle the wolf population, continuous monitoring is essential. Dolomitenstadt reports about the current developments and the differences between those responsible, while The Nature Conservation Association advocates stable wolf management that aims at a sustainable positive coexistence. A serious dialogue and responsible decisions seem essential to protect both the wolves and pasture animals in Tyrol in the long term.