– The application came from Vest-Agder Sau og Geit, and the permit is valid in the three municipalities from Saturday to Friday 1 November at 5 p.m., says a press release from The State Administrator in Agder.
The Game Board for region 1 – Vestland, Rogaland and old Vest-Agder – has adopted a depredation quota of two wolves that applies from 1 June this year to February 2025. As of today, no animals have been deprecated from this quota, according to the State Administrator.
Complaint
Several sheep are said to have been taken by wolves in the district this autumn. About a week ago, the previous felling permit was granted. The discovery of one sheep documented to have been killed by a wolf was then reported, while two sheep were probably injured by wolves near Løland in Lyngdal municipality.
– The permit has been granted after an overall assessment of the damage caused and the potential for further damage to sheep if wolves continue to stay in the damaged area, the State Administrator wrote on his website.
The organizations Aktivt Rovdyrvern and Rovviltets Røst filed a complaint against the previous permit. They believed that one killed sheep does not meet the requirement in the law, write Lindesnes.
– Fears establishment
The state administrator fears there may be talk of an establishment when a wolf has now moved into the western part of Agder.
– People are afraid that a pair of wolves will be established. We know that in Agder and Rogaland there have been two wolves in the area relatively stable over a period of time. It is not correct to say that they are in the process of establishing themselves, but there is a possible effect, said assistant state administrator Knut Berg earlier this week.
#permit #killing #wolves #Agder
Interview with Lars Johansen, Wildlife Regulation Expert
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Lars. We’ve recently received news regarding a permit issued for the culling of wolves in the Vest-Agder region. Can you explain what led to this decision?
Lars Johansen: Thank you for having me. The application for culling came from Vest-Agder Sau og Geit, which represents local sheep and goat farmers. They expressed increasing concerns about livestock predation by wolves in the area. The State Administrator in Agder conducted a thorough review before granting a permit that allows for culling in three municipalities from Saturday to Friday, 1 November at 5 p.m.
Editor: What are the criteria that must be met to grant such a permit for culling animals, particularly wolves?
Lars Johansen: The decision to issue a culling permit is based on several factors, including the level of livestock predation, the wolf population in the area, and the ecological balance. Authorities consider the urgency of the situation for local farmers, the effectiveness of non-lethal measures, and the broader implications for wildlife management before moving forward.
Editor: How does the community react to such decisions? Is there a division of opinion regarding wildlife management in the region?
Lars Johansen: There is often a significant divide. Farmers affected by predation might support culling as a necessary tool for protecting their livelihoods. Conversely, conservationists and wildlife advocates often oppose these measures, advocating for coexistence strategies and emphasizing the ecological importance of wolves in the ecosystem. It’s a complex issue that inspires strong emotions on both sides.
Editor: Looking ahead, what are the potential long-term impacts of culling wolves on the ecosystem and local communities?
Lars Johansen: Culling can have varying effects. It might provide immediate relief to farmers if successful in reducing livestock losses. However, it can disrupt ecological balance and set a precedent that may lead to further culling in the future. Long-term, effective wildlife management should focus on sustainable practices that support both farming and the conservation of natural habitats.
Editor: Thank you, Lars, for your insights into this pressing issue. We appreciate your expertise on a topic that affects both local communities and the environment.
Lars Johansen: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep the conversation going about how we can best manage our wildlife responsibly while supporting our local agricultural communities.
Is definitely a division of opinion. Some farmers welcome the culling permit as a necessary step to protect their livelihoods from livestock predation. They believe that without this measure, the impact on their herds could be devastating. On the other hand, wildlife conservation groups like Aktivt Rovdyrvern and Rovviltets Røst have expressed strong opposition, arguing that the loss of a few sheep does not justify culling. They feel that culling can lead to long-term ecological consequences and believe there are more effective, non-lethal ways to manage wildlife conflicts.
Editor: Could you elaborate on the recent complaints filed against the culling permit and the concerns raised by these organizations?
Lars Johansen: Certainly. The complaints were primarily based on the argument that the criteria for issuing the permit may not have been adequately met. The organizations felt that having just one confirmed case of a killed sheep does not provide sufficient grounds for culling. They fear that such measures could become a common response to livestock predation, potentially threatening wolf populations unnecessarily. Their stance emphasizes the need for ongoing dialogue and sustainable solutions rather than immediate culling.
Editor: As wolves are increasingly being spotted in the region, what implications does this have for both wildlife and human communities in Agder?
Lars Johansen: The presence of wolves can complicate wildlife management significantly. There is a fear among local residents about the potential establishment of a wolf pack, which can lead to heightened tensions. While wolves play a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling prey populations and promoting biodiversity, their presence can also pose challenges for livestock farming. The key is finding a balance that allows for the coexistence of wildlife and agricultural practices, which requires effective communication and collaboration between all stakeholders involved.
Editor: Thank you, Lars. This is a complex issue with many facets, and we appreciate your insights on the matter.
Lars Johansen: Thank you for having me. It’s a vital conversation for both wildlife conservation and local agriculture.
