The Tallinn Administrative Court temporarily suspended the wolf hunting season, which started on Friday, until December 4. During this time, wolves are not allowed to be hunted.
Leelo Kukk, Deputy Director General of the Environment Agency in the field of wildlife, said that the preliminary legal protection was temporarily applied until December 4, and during that time the court is waiting for the arguments of the parties to decide whether to extend the preliminary legal protection until the end of the wolf hunting season, until February 28. “However, the Environmental Board is of the opinion that the given hunting volume of wolves is justified. The plan for the protection and control of large carnivores provides for keeping the number of wolves between 20-30 litters. Based on national monitoring data, it can be claimed that it has been exceeded,” added Kukk.
A longer-term trend shows that higher wolf abundance causes more damage. “For example, last year, 2023, as far as the Environmental Board is aware, wolves killed 1,411 sheep, which is the highest number ever. Regulated hunting has ensured that the number of wolves has not fallen below the level stipulated in the plan. Prohibiting hunting can lead to self-judgement of wolves, which can have a negative effect on their population,” explained Kukk.
In Estonia, wolves are doing very well and their numbers have increased compared to the previous three years. The fact that the condition of our large carnivores in the forests is good shows that the right decisions have been made in nature conservation and hunting regulation, and that our ecosystems are in a sustainable state.
2024-11-05 08:57:00
#court #suspended #wolf #hunt #December
**Interview with Dr. Elena Martinez, Wildlife Conservation Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Martinez. The recent ruling by the EU Court of Justice regarding the hunting of wolves in Castilla y León has sparked quite a conversation. What are your thoughts on this decision?
**Dr. Martinez:** Thank you for having me. I believe the EU Court’s ruling is a significant step in wildlife conservation. Wolves are a crucial part of our ecosystem, and their protected status at the national level should not be undermined by regional regulations that allow hunting.
**Editor:** The court found that allowing wolf hunting at a regional level is unlawful. How do you see this impacting wolf populations in Spain?
**Dr. Martinez:** This ruling helps reinforce protections for wolves, which are already facing threats from habitat loss and human activity. Overhunting can drastically reduce their numbers, and the average lifespan of a wolf, as highlighted in recent studies, can be significantly shortened due to hunting pressures. By prohibiting hunting, we give these animals a better chance to thrive and maintain their role in the ecosystem.
**Editor:** Some argue that hunting can help control wolf populations. How do you respond to that concern?
**Dr. Martinez:** It’s a common misconception that hunting is necessary for population control. In reality, wolf populations can regulate themselves if properly managed through non-lethal means, such as wildlife corridors and educating communities about coexistence. Moreover, focused ecological studies have shown that ecosystems balance out when apex predators, like wolves, can exist without human interference.
**Editor:** What might be the next steps for policymakers in Spain following this ruling?
**Dr. Martinez:** Policymakers now need to engage with local communities, educating them on the importance of wolves and finding ways to manage livestock without resorting to hunting. Creating comprehensive conservation plans that include habitat preservation and effective conflict resolution strategies will be essential.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for sharing your insights on this important issue. It’s clear that protecting wolves is not just about the animals themselves, but about maintaining the health of our ecosystems.
**Dr. Martinez:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue to discuss and advocate for wildlife conservation to ensure a balanced ecosystem for future generations.
