It is still possible that the ‘strictly protected’ status of the wolf in Europe will change. With such a European status reduction, the predator would be allowed to be shot sooner.
This week, Finland made a proposal to the European Agriculture and Fisheries Council to have the adjustment of the wolf’s status examined by experts from the EU member states. Strictly speaking, these are ‘large carnivores’, which, in addition to the wolf, include the bear and lynx. By lowering the status, these animals could be hunted or even shot sooner.
The wolf was given ‘strictly protected’ status in 1979. Since then, the animal’s population in Europe has increased considerably. It is estimated that more than 20,000 wolves live within the borders of the European Union. There are two wolf packs with cubs in Drenthe, in the Drenthe-Friese Wold and in Central Drenthe, with a total of eighteen animals. Several wolf packs also live on the Veluwe.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that she believes the return of the wolf is ‘good for biodiversity in Europe’. According to her, it is a problem in a number of regions where wolves pose ‘a serious danger’ to livestock.
Finland’s proposal is widely shared within the Agriculture and Fisheries Council. A letter will be sent to the Environment Council, which includes the European nature and environment ministers, to draw attention to the concerns.
Before a status reduction can be implemented, the Berne Treaty must first be amended. This is an international treaty on the conservation of wild animal and plant species and the associated transboundary natural habitats in Europe.