Endangered Wolves Face Mass Culling in Sweden’s Latest Plan

Endangered Wolves Face Mass Culling in Sweden’s Latest Plan

Photo: Pexels

Sweden has initiated its 2025 wolf hunt, targeting the reduction of its wolf population by nearly 20%.

The government aims to cull 30 wolves by mid February, a move that has ignited fierce debates among conservationists and local communities alike.

The current wolf population stands at approximately 375 individuals, a figure that has seen a significant decline from the previous year. This reduction is part of a broader government strategy to lower the minimum number of wolves for a “favorable conservation status” from 300 to 170, according to Common Dreams.

The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) had initially set the favorable conservation threshold at 300 wolves, but recent policy shifts have prompted this drastic decrease, reports The Guardian.

Photo: Pexels
Sweden has initiated its 2025 wolf hunt aiming to reduce the population by nearly 20%.

Government Justifications for the Hunt

The Swedish government justifies the wolf hunt by citing threats to livestock, pets, and human safety.

Peter Kullgren, Sweden’s Minister for Rural Affairs, told CNN that the increasing wolf population poses significant risks to rural communities. Farmers have reported heightened instances of livestock predation, leading to economic losses and emotional distress.

Moreover, the government argues that reducing the wolf population is essential for maintaining a balance between wildlife and agricultural interests.

“The wolf is a difficult animal to live close to,” Kullgren said.

Photo: Pexels
Sweden’s current wolf population is estimated at 375 individuals.

Conservationists' Opposition

Environmental groups and scientists vehemently oppose the cull, arguing that it threatens the already fragile wolf population.

Benny Gäfvert, a carnivore expert at WWF Sweden, highlighted that culling disrupts wolf pack structures, leading to increased attacks on livestock.

“The EU Commission’s own in-depth analysis failed to find any evidence that culling wolves reduces attacks on livestock. Rather, research has shown that the risk of attacks on livestock increases when wolves are killed so that wolf packs break up,” Gäfvert told Mongabay.

Magnus Orrebrant, chair of the Swedish Carnivore Association, criticized the government's approach, stating that wolf-livestock conflicts are not as severe as portrayed. He accused the government of favoring culling over implementing coexistence measures, according to Mongabay.

Photo: Pexels
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency initially set the minimum wolf population at 300.

Legal and International Implications

The wolf hunt has faced legal challenges, with conservation groups arguing that it violates European Union laws. The Bern Convention, which governs wildlife protection in the EU, initially categorized wolves as “strictly protected.” However, a recent decision downgraded their status to “protected,” facilitating easier approval for culls, Common Dreams reports.

Léa Badoz from Eurogroup for Animals criticized the downgrading.

“The wolf is unfortunately the latest political pawn, a victim of misinformation,” she told Common Dreams. “Downgrading protection will not solve the challenges of coexistence, nor help farmers.”

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Critics argue that the cull violates European Union laws.

Impact on Genetic Diversity and Population Health

Experts warn that reducing the wolf population could lead to genetic bottlenecks, making the species more vulnerable to diseases and reducing their ability to adapt to environmental changes. According to CNN, conservationists emphasize the need for genetic diversity to ensure the long-term survival of wolves in Sweden.

“If Sweden, one of the richest countries in the world with a population of 10.5 million people, can't accept a population of 375 wolves, what hope is there for the planet's biodiversity?” ecologist Alan Watson Featherstone asked Common Dreams.

Photo: Pexels
The wolf is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list in Sweden.

Public and International Reactions

The wolf hunt has drawn criticism not only domestically but also from international conservation communities.

“One of the hallmarks of human progress is learning to coexist with other species that our ancestors once feared,” Wildlife Trusts CEO Craig Bennett told Common Dreams.

UK environmentalist Ben Goldsmith likewise condemned Sweden's actions on social media, questioning the country's commitment to biodiversity conservation.

As Sweden proceeds with its wolf hunt, the international community watches closely. The outcome of this controversial policy could set a precedent for wildlife management practices across Europe. Conservationists continue to advocate for non-lethal measures and stronger protections to ensure the survival of wolves and the preservation of biodiversity.

Matthew Russell

Matthew Russell is a West Michigan native and with a background in journalism, data analysis, cartography and design thinking. He likes to learn new things and solve old problems whenever possible, and enjoys bicycling, spending time with his daughters, and coffee.

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