In the midst of discussions about the protection of wolves in Spain, the country’s acting head of agriculture, fisheries, and food, Luis Planas, has asserted that Spain already possesses mechanisms to ensure the wolf’s protection. This comes in response to the European Commission’s consideration of potentially reducing the level of protection for this species. So, what are Spain’s wolf protection measures and the European Commission’s perspective?
Spain’s Comprehensive Wolf Management Plan
During a press conference held after the informal Council of European Agriculture Ministers in Córdoba, Planas emphasized Spain’s comprehensive wolf management plan. Within this framework, the nation has established flexible mechanisms and legal instruments.
These mechanisms enable the responsible authorities to address situations like overpopulation or the presence of particularly dangerous animals in specific areas. Importantly, such actions require prior administrative authorization, ensuring a balanced approach to wolf management.
Planas further pointed out the financial resources available to support the protection of livestock against wolf-related challenges. These resources are derived from the Common Agrarian Policy (CAP), state funds, and contributions from autonomous communities. They facilitate the acquisition and financing of defense instruments to safeguard livestock farms.
Read more about the Iberian wolf here: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/iberian-wolf-canis-lupus-signatus-lobo-iberico/
European Commission’s Call for a Wolf Census
Planas acknowledged the realism in the words of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, regarding the challenges posed by wolf concentrations. He expressed solidarity with farmers who face concerns related to wolf attacks.
In response to the evolving situation, the European Commission has initiated a new phase in wolf management. Interested parties are encouraged to present updated data on the wolf population and its impacts by September 22. Based on this information, the Commission will consider potential modifications to the wolf’s protection status in the EU.
The discussion surrounding the protection of wolves in Spain is evolving, with Spain emphasizing its existing measures while considering the European Commission’s call for a wolf census. Balancing the needs of wildlife conservation and the protection of livelihoods remains a key challenge in this dynamic debate.
Wildsides opinion about Spain’s Wolf Protection Measures and the European Commission’s Perspective
To sum up, it looks like any wolves in Spain that cause too much trouble will be “removed” which presumably mean culled rather than relocated. I don’t see this as a problem as population control of various species plays an important role in any land management system.
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