EU supports proposal to reduce wolf protection status
EU member states voted on Wednesday to lower the protection status of wolves, a decision that has drawn criticism from conservationists and may lead to relaxed hunting restrictions.
Gray wolves, which were nearly wiped out in Europe a century ago, have seen their populations rebound due to conservation efforts, but this resurgence has angered farmers dealing with livestock losses. Representatives from the EU’s 27 countries supported a proposal to change the International Wildlife Convention designation of wolves from “strictly protected” to “protected.”
The European Commission, which proposed the change, welcomed the approval by a significant majority during a Brussels meeting, with only two votes against.
According to commission spokesman Adalbert Jahnz, adjusting the protection status is crucial for managing the challenges posed by the increasing wolf population while aiming to maintain a favorable conservation status for the species.
However, animal rights activists warn that this move could lead to increased hunting and a negative impact on wolf populations, despite research suggesting that hunting does not effectively reduce livestock predation.
Peoplesmind