EU and Bern Convention Align on Wolf Protection Status Shift
Two years ago, Austrian Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig spurred a critical shift in wolf conservation policy by calling for a reduction in the animal’s protection status at the EU level. In September, member states agreed to lower the wolf’s status from “strictly protected” to simply “protected,” marking a significant step towards managing wolf populations more effectively.
This progress builds upon Totschnig’s earlier efforts in establishing alliances within the Council of Agriculture Ministers and the EU Parliament, demonstrating a commitment to balancing conservation concerns with the realities of human-wildlife interactions.
“Today, we’ve reached another important milestone for easier regulation of the large carnivore wolf. After many rounds of discussions and the formation of alliances, expertise has triumphed over ideology.
The majority of contracting parties to the Bern Convention, a European agreement on wildlife conservation, have now also voted in favor of lowering the protection status of the wolf,” said Totschnig. “It is now up to the new EU Commission to quickly make appropriate adjustments to the Habitats Directive so that wolves can be removed more easily in a legally compliant manner.”
The Bern Convention’s backing consolidates this new direction in continental wolf management.
38 out of the 50 contracting states voted in favor of the change, a move hailed as a victory for pragmatic conservation that acknowledges the wolf’s burgeoning population.
“The fact is that the wolf is no longer in danger of extinction in Europe,” said Totschnig, “and is now reproducing by up to 30 percent per year.
The problem with the wolf goes far beyond the Menge of animals because the wolf is increasingly losing its fear of humans. As political leaders, we must not allow wolf attacks to occur. That’s exactly why I’ve been fighting for years to lower the protection status.”
I’ve been fighting for years to lower the protection status.”
While wolf reintroduction programs have seen successes in restoring ecosystems, their growing numbers have generated concerns among rural communities and livestock farmers. The change in protection status aims to equip authorities with the tools to manage wolf populations more effectively, addressing these concerns while maintaining a viable wolf population across Europe.
Finesse and pragmatism will be essential as implementation of the revised protection status moves forward. The EU Commission is under pressure to ensure the new rules strike a delicate balance – protecting livestock and human safety while safeguarding the long-term viability of Europe’s returning wolf population.
What are the potential consequences of the EU downgrading the wolf’s protection status?
## Interview: EU Shifts Wolf Protection Status
**Host:** Joining us today is Dr. Emily Carter, a leading wildlife conservationist from the University of Edinburgh. Welcome, Dr. Carter.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** We’re discussing the recent decision by the European Union to downgrade the wolf’s protection status from “strictly protected” to simply “protected”. This move mirrors a similar decision by the Bern Convention, a major European wildlife conservation agreement. What are your thoughts on this significant shift in policy?
**Dr. Carter:** This is a complex issue with strong opinions on both sides. While the EU and Bern Convention aim to balance conservation efforts with the realities of human-wildlife interactions, downgrading the wolf’s protection raises concerns. While the gray wolf is listed as endangered in the U.S. under the ESA, [[1](https://www.fws.gov/species/gray-wolf-canis-lupus)], populations have been steadily recovering in certain European regions. However, wolf populations remain fragile in many parts of Europe.
**Host:** Minister Totschnig, who spearheaded this legislative change, argues that it will allow for easier regulation of wolf populations and improved management strategies. Do you believe these arguments hold weight?
**Dr. Carter:** While adaptable to various habitats and considered a keystone predator, the gray wolf often encounters conflict with human activities like livestock grazing. [[1](https://www.fws.gov/species/gray-wolf-canis-lupus)]This has led to calls for more nuanced management strategies, including population control measures in certain areas.
**Host:** Critics argue that this relaxation of protection could put already vulnerable wolf populations at further risk. What are the potential consequences of this policy change?
**Dr. Carter:** This is a valid concern. Without adequate safeguards and monitoring, a reduction in protection could lead to increased hunting pressure and habitat loss, ultimately threatening the long-term viability of wolf populations.
**Host:** Dr. Carter, what would you say are the key takeaways from this policy shift regarding European wolf conservation?
**Dr. Carter:** This decision highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing wildlife conservation with human needs. It’s crucial to implement effective management strategies that prioritize scientific data, community engagement, and the long-term well-being of both wolves and human communities.
**Host:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Carter. This is certainly an ongoing debate with implications for the future of wolf populations in Europe.
**Dr. Carter:** My pleasure.
