BOLZANO. Green light of Standing Committee of the Bern Convention of the Council of Europe to the European Union’s proposal – also supported by Switzerland – to downgrade the status of the wolf from particularly protected species to protected species.
It’s not just a semantic issue. The transition from one to the other would allow greater margin of maneuver in the management policies of wolf packs and in their culling where deemed necessary and without prejudice to the desire not to put the very existence of wolf populations at risk.
Europe calls for “an in-depth analysis of the status” of the carnivore on its territory, and reports a growing population, especially in the Balkans, the Nordic countries, Italy and Spain. According to Brussels, this expansion has led to difficulties “from the point of view of coexistence with human activities, in particular due to the damage caused to livestock, wich has reached meaningful levels”.
Animal rights associations protest: “This is a defeat for nature and science. A choice that risks taking us back decades” – declared daniele Ecotti, President of I’m not afraid of the wolf, an Italian association that has been committed for years to the conservation of the wolf and its coexistence with human activities. – “We have a moral and scientific duty to protect this species, not only for its intrinsic value, but for the balance of ecosystems and for the future of generations to come”.
– How can farmers and communities effectively coexist with increasing wolf populations?
Interview with Wolf Conservation Expert Dr. Elena Rossi on the Recent Changes in Wolf Protection Status
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Rossi, and thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent decision by the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention to downgrade the wolfS status from a particularly protected species to a protected species. What does this change imply for wolf conservation efforts in europe?
Dr.Rossi: Thank you for having me. The downgrade of the wolf’s protection status is indeed a significant shift. It allows for more lenient management policies regarding wolf packs, which, while intended to help with coexistence between humans and wolves, can pose serious risks to their populations. This isn’t simply a semantic change; it shifts the balance between conservation and human interests.
Editor: Can you elaborate on the implications of this decision for wolf populations and the ecological balance?
Dr. Rossi: Certainly. With wolf populations increasing in various regions—particularly in the Balkans,Nordic countries,Italy,and Spain—this decision might lead to increased culling practices under the guise of management. While I understand the frustrations from livestock owners due to livestock damages, wolves play a crucial role in balancing ecosystems. Reducing their numbers could disrupt this balance, potentially leading to overpopulation of prey species and detrimental changes to the habitat.
Editor: The European Union mentioned the necessity for “an in-depth analysis of the carnivore’s status.” How critical is this analysis for the future of wolf management?
dr. Rossi: An in-depth analysis is essential. It should assess not just population numbers, but also the ecological roles of wolves, their interactions with other species, and the socio-economic impacts of their return to past ranges. Without a thorough understanding,management strategies may be misguided,leading to unintended consequences—both for wolves and for agricultural practices.
Editor: There has been notable pushback from animal rights organizations, like “I’m not afraid of the wolf.” Can you share their concerns and the potential ramifications of this decision?
Dr. Rossi: Organizations like “I’m not afraid of the wolf” argue that this decision is a setback for science and conservation efforts. their concerns center on the moral obligation to protect wolves, not only for their intrinsic value but also for future generations. If population control measures are implemented without adequate scientific backing, it could lead to a severe decline in wolf numbers, threatening both their survival and the stability of ecosystems where they are key predators.
Editor: What practical advice would you give to farmers and communities that are affected by wolf populations?
Dr. Rossi: Communication and education are pivotal. Farmers should engage with conservationists to explore non-lethal deterrence methods,such as protective fencing and guard animals. Sharing success stories of coexistence can enhance understanding and reduce fear.Additionally, participating in local conservation dialogues allows communities to express concerns while finding enduring solutions for both agriculture and wildlife conservation.
Editor: As more regions see an increase in wolf populations, how can Europe ensure a sustainable approach to managing these apex predators?
Dr. Rossi: Europe must adopt a balanced approach that includes all stakeholders. Establishing clear guidelines based on scientific research and incorporating adaptive management practices will be key. It’s also essential for governments to facilitate dialog between conservationists and agricultural communities to foster coexistence and address conflicts proactively.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights on this vital issue.It’s clear that while managing wolf populations is a complex challenge, it can be approached with cooperation and informed strategies.
Dr. Rossi: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial time for wolf conservation in Europe, and with informed policies and collective efforts, we can work towards a future where both wolves and humans can thrive together.