The management of Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) populations in Spain has always been a subject of ongoing debate, balancing conservation efforts with the interests of livestock farmers. Recent legislative changes have further complicated this issue, particularly concerning hunting regulations north and south of the Duero River.
Read more about the Iberian wolf here.
Historical Context of Wolf Hunting in Spain
Historically, the Iberian wolf has faced significant persecution, leading to its eradication in several regions. By the mid-20th century, bounties were placed on wolves, drastically reducing their numbers. However, small populations survived, primarily in northwestern Spain and northern Portugal.
Recent Legislative Changes: Reversal of the 2021 Hunting Ban
In March 2025, the Spanish parliament passed a law targeting “food production waste”, which included an amendment to lift the 2021 ban on wolf hunting north of the Duero River. This decision allows controlled hunting to resume in regions like Asturias, Cantabria, Galicia, and northern Castilla y León, where most of Spain’s Iberian wolves reside. The amendment was supported by parties such as the People’s Party (PP), Vox, Junts, and the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV).
Implications for Regions South of the Duero River
While the recent legislative changes primarily affect regions north of the Duero River, they also have potential implications for areas south of the river. The amendments include provisions that could allow for the hunting of wolves south of the Duero in the future, contingent upon changes in their protection status at the European level. This means that if the European Union relaxes its protection measures for wolves, hunting could be authorized in southern regions as well.
Reactions to the Legislative Changes
The decision to lift the hunting ban has elicited mixed reactions. Farmers and agricultural associations have welcomed the move, citing the heavy toll wolves take on farm animals each year (hence the food waste?). Conversely, conservationists have decried the decision as harmful to both wolves and biodiversity, warning it will lead to indiscriminate wolf slaughter and harm conservation efforts.
Is the Iberian lynx facing a similar threat?
A similar conflict is playing out with the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), another species that has made a remarkable recovery thanks to conservation efforts. Once the most endangered wild cat in the world, the Iberian lynx population rebounded from fewer than 100 individuals in the early 2000s to over 2,000 today. However, opposition from farmers and hunting groups now threatens its progress, as concerns grow over livestock predation and competition with game species.
Future Outlook for the Iberian Wolf Population
The reintroduction of controlled hunting raises concerns about the future of the Iberian wolf population. While proponents argue that hunting is necessary to protect livestock and manage wolf numbers, opponents fear it could reverse the progress made in wolf conservation over the past decades. The balance between agricultural interests and wildlife conservation remains a contentious issue in Spain.
The lifting of the hunting ban on wolves north of the Duero River marks a significant (and worrying) shift in Spain’s wildlife management policies. As the debate continues, finding a sustainable solution that addresses both the concerns of farmers and the need for biodiversity conservation will be crucial.
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