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Resurgence of Wolves in Europe: Navigating the Politics

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Author Nina Howell

russian grey wolf
Russian Grey Wolf. Image via Unsplash

Wolves, the iconic predators of Europe, have been staging a remarkable comeback after centuries of harsh persecution. In just the past ten years, their presence has grown by over 25% across the continent. However, in 2023, the spotlight turned to these canids due to a controversial statement by Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission. She raised concerns about the concentration of wolf packs in some European regions, posing a potential threat to livestock and even humans, urging local and national authorities to take action.

The Political Arena of Wolf Conservation

“EU Parliament Divided on plans to review Wolves Conservation Status” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: EuroNews

But the question remains: What is the right action to take? Recent decisions by EU member states show a lack of consensus. For instance, the Swiss Senate relaxed restrictions on culling their roughly 200 wolves to protect free-roaming livestock in the Alps. In contrast, Spain, home to over 2,000 wolves and extensive livestock grazing systems, adopted a different approach.

Spain’s Approach

White wolf
White wolf howling. Image via Depositphotos.

Spain’s approach is driven by political dynamics. The left-wing government, supported by pro-wolf advocacy groups, proposed strict wolf protection in 2016. Spain’s right-wing parties, appealing to rural voters, opposed it. The government endorsed the protection, citing scientific, ecological, and cultural value, but this is subjective. The criteria used don’t always consider potential impacts on pastoral farming systems. The wolf’s conservation status also plays a role. A favorable status allows hunting in some cases. Discord among conservationists arises from the criteria and data used to establish this status.

Conservation and Politics Must Seek Harmony

Baby Wolves
Newborn Arctic wolf (Canis lupus arctos), also known as the Melville Island wolf. Image via Depositphotos.

To achieve harmony between wolf protection and pastoral landscapes, a reevaluation of decision-making processes and stakeholder involvement is crucial. The key to sustainable coexistence isn’t just about protection or culling, but about inclusive and context-sensitive decision-making. Balancing diverse interests is essential. Spain’s approach offers insights into the complex and political nature of wolf coexistence in Europe. The “how” of decision-making, including democratic and inclusive processes, is crucial for sustainable coexistence between people and wolves.

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