Controversial decision: Sweden wants to halve the number of wolves

Sweden - Sweden has decided to reduce the number of protected wolves in the country. The hunt, which ultimately aims to halve the population, begins today, Thursday. Animal rights activists consider the decision to be illegal.

Initially, five wolf families were released for shooting.
Initially, five wolf families were released for shooting.  © 123rf/jordimorastock

At present, five wolf families have been approved for shooting. This means that the killing of a total of 30 animals is permitted, as theGuardian reports.

Over the years 2022 and 2023, the number of wolves in Sweden has already fallen by around 20 percent - there are still 375 registered animals in total.

The set minimum number of 300 is now to be reduced to 170. This is the new lower limit for a so-called "favorable conservation status".

According to the Bern Convention, the population of a protected species must not fall below a sustainable level.

Animal rights activists therefore argue that Sweden's plan is illegal under EU law. However, the European Union wants to relax the laws surrounding wolf hunting in the future. This should allow countries to release more wolves for shooting.

The wolf loses its status as a strictly protected species

The wolf will probably only be classified as a "protected" species from March 7.
The wolf will probably only be classified as a "protected" species from March 7.  © OLIVIER MORIN / AFP

In addition, a vote has already decided to change the status of the wolf from a "strictly protected" to a "protected" species.

This decision was already viewed very critically by some organizations.

"We are very critical of the EU's decision to downgrade the wolf's protected status," says Magnus Orrebrant, Chairman of the Swedish Predators Association.

"The wolf is unfortunately the latest political pawn, a victim of misinformation. Downgrading protection will neither solve the challenges of coexistence nor help farmers," said Léa Badoz, Wildlife Program Officer at Eurogroup for Animals.