Five wolves can be hunted in Läänemaa during the wolf hunting season that has started. All five wolf permits granted in the first part are granted during the control period of Lõuna Länemaa, wolves may not be hunted in North Läänemaa.
The management area of Lõuna Läänemaa, where wolves can be hunted, lies south of the Tallinn-Haapsalu highway and extends not only to Läänemaa but also to Raplsa and Harjumaa. The marshy and forested area north of the Tallinn-Haapsalu highway is a protected area where hunting of wolves is prohibited.
In order to prevent and reduce the damage caused by wolves, 90 animals were hunted across Estonia as the first part. The hunting limit will be supplemented when more accurate data on the wolf’s distribution and abundance is received during November. Wolf hunting is allowed from November 1 to the end of February.
Leelo Kukk, Deputy Director General of the Environment Agency in the field of wildlife, said that the wolf is doing very well in Estonia and the number of wolves has increased significantly compared to the previous three years. “So far, based on information from the Environmental Agency, we know for sure about the existence of 27 wolf litters. When the snow cover arrives, the database will be updated, so we probably have more than thirty litters,” said Kukk.
Unfortunately, the increase in the number of wolves also brings problems. “With the management plan, we have envisaged keeping wolf numbers between 20-30 litters, while keeping damage under control. In case of higher numbers, wolves move to new areas where the habitat is not as high-quality and, accordingly, the natural food base is also deficient, and therefore can cause greater damage to livestock farming. This year, Valga and Tartumaa stand out in terms of breaking, where more than 160 animals have been broken,” explained Leelo Kukk.
When determining hunting volumes, the Environmental Board took as a basis the wolf hunting proposal submitted by the Environmental Agency and the data collected by the Environmental Board about the damage caused by wolves. The limit has been discussed in the cooperation group of large carnivores, which includes representatives of various interest groups.
2024-11-04 08:44:00
#Läänemaa #hunt #wolves
**Interview with Valery Shcherbatyh: Wildlife Photographer and Conservation Advocate**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Valery. You’ve recently captured some striking images of wolves in North-Läänemaa, which has sparked a lot of conversation. Can you tell us what inspired you to focus on wildlife photography, particularly wolves?
**Valery Shcherbatyh:** Thank you for having me! My passion for wildlife photography stems from my deep admiration for nature and a desire to showcase the beauty and struggles of wildlife. Wolves, in particular, are fascinating creatures that symbolize both the wild spirit of nature and the challenges of conservation. They are often misunderstood, so I want my photos to tell their story.
**Interviewer:** Your photograph of a wolf caught in front of your lens this autumn has been popular. What can you tell us about that experience?
**Valery Shcherbatyh:** Capturing that moment was incredible. I was in a secluded area, waiting patiently for wildlife to reveal itself. When that wolf appeared, it felt like a magical moment. It was alive and thriving, reminding us that despite the pressures from hunting and habitat loss, there are still healthy populations. It was important for me to communicate this through my lens.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of hunting, there are regulations surrounding wolf hunting in Estonia, particularly in regions like Läänemaa. Can you shed some light on how these regulations affect wildlife like wolves?
**Valery Shcherbatyh:** Absolutely. In North-Läänemaa, wolves are protected, which is crucial for their survival, especially given their average lifespan is less than two years due to hunting. It’s a delicate balance – while permits are granted in some areas, the protection in North Läänemaa allows a refuge for these animals to thrive. Conservation efforts must be increased to ensure the longevity of their population.
**Interviewer:** As a wildlife advocate, what message would you like to share with our audience regarding wolves and conservation?
**Valery Shcherbatyh:** I urge everyone to appreciate the role wolves play in our ecosystem. Conservation is not just about protecting individual species, but maintaining the entire ecological balance. We should advocate for responsible management practices and support protected areas. It’s our responsibility to ensure that future generations can also witness the beauty of nature, including wolves.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Valery, for your insights, and for sharing your passion for wildlife photography and conservation with us!
**Valery Shcherbatyh:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to discuss this important topic with you.
