Starting in 2025, wolves across Europe will experience reduced protections from hunting as a majority of European nations have agreed to a proposal that lowers their conservation status due to their increasing population and the impact they have on agriculture and livestock farming.
Effective from March 7, wolves will be classified as “protected” instead of “strictly protected” under the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, a decision that has drawn criticism from animal welfare organizations.
Previously, wolves were safeguarded against intentional hunting or capture unless they posed a significant threat to livestock or public health and safety.
With the new designation, any “exploitation” of wolves “shall be regulated to ensure populations remain out of danger”, which establishes a considerably lower threshold for hunting.
“This is important news for our rural communities and farmers. We must find a balanced approach that preserves wildlife while safeguarding our livelihoods,” stated EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen following the vote.
Ms. von der Leyen, whose pony was killed by a wolf in 2022, had previously urged member nations “to take action where necessary”.
Animal welfare organizations, including the International Fund for Animal Welfare, have criticized the decision.
“Today’s decision marks a regressive step for biodiversity and presents a concerning precedent for wildlife conservation in Europe,” they stated.
The amendment will take effect on March 7 unless a minimum of one-third of the 46 member states of the Council of Europe express objections, according to the Bern Convention.
There have been various calls for the reintroduction of wolves in Ireland, including those from the Irish Wildlife Trust and the Green Party.
Former Green Party leader Eamon Ryan advocated for this in the Dáil while in opposition in 2019.
For farmers, particularly those in remote and mountainous regions, the notion of reintroducing wolves is considered “crazy,” as noted by Vincent Roddy from the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association.
“While there is a push for wolves to help manage deer populations, introducing wolves to a hill means you’re effectively deciding to remove cattle and sheep, as wolves will target easier prey instead of deer,” he remarked.
Mr. Roddy further emphasized that a reintroduced wolf population would rapidly grow, facing no predators to keep them in check. “It’s an absurd idea,” he concluded.
