Iberian Wolf

Iberian Wolf Hunting Regulations in Spain: Spain Lifts Wolf Hunting Ban North of the Duero

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The best place to see wolves in Spain is in the rolling hills of the Sierra de la Culebra.

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.

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Iberian Wolf Hunting Regulations in Spain. In 2021, Spain granted Iberian wolves north of the Duero River protected status, expanding a pre-existing hunting prohibition in the south. This move was met with strong opposition from farmers, who warned it would result in increased attacks on livestock.

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Is The The Wolf is Extinct in Andalusia?

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The best place to see wolves in Spain is in the rolling hills of the Sierra de la Culebra.

The 2023 wolf population monitoring surveys published by the Andalusian government conclude that the Iberian wolf is extinct across the entire region. This is the first time the extinction of this iconic species, once a symbol of Andalusia’s mountains, has been officially acknowledged, though it may have been gone for years.

The wolf (Canis lupus signatus) has historically been one of the most representative species of Andalusia’s mountain ranges. However, according to the Wolf Monitoring and Conservation Programme carried out by the Ministry of the Environment of the Andalusian Government, it has been confirmed extinct since 2020.

Conservation Efforts and the Decline of the Wolf

Since 2003, the primary aim of the programme was to understand the distribution of the Iberian wolf in Andalusia, gather data about its population dynamics, compensate for livestock damages, reduce conflicts with local communities, and, overall, ensure the species’ survival by encouraging its expansion into more favourable and less conflict-prone areas.

Wildmoral wolf tours
Is The The Wolf is Extinct in Andalusia? Officially Since 2023 (but probably a lot earlier), unfortunately yes.

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The Status and Debate Surrounding Wolves in Southern Spain

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Wildmoral wolf tours

The Iberian wolf, Canis lupus signatus, is a subspecies of the grey wolf endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. It is distinguished by its medium size and dark markings on its tail, forelegs, and shoulders. Once widespread, the Iberian wolf has had a tumultuous history, nearly driven to extinction in the 1970s due to hunting and habitat destruction. However, thanks to protective measures taken by various organizations, the population has stabilized, making the Iberian wolf a symbol of biodiversity in Spain.

Are Wolves Still in Sierra Morena?

One of the most frequently asked questions is whether wolves still live in the Sierra Morena. There have been mixed reports from residents and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Some claim wolves are still present in areas like Andújar, while others argue that the species became extinct in the region by the 1990s.

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Best Practices Manual for the PirosLife Project: The Restoration of Large Carnivores in Spain

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Somiedo Experience

This article is a comprehensive translation from the original Spanish document, “Manuales de buenas prácticas del proyecto PirosLife: La recuperación de grandes carnívoros,” which reflects conservation efforts and data up to 2020.

Unable to find an English-language version, I have translated this excellent resource to ensure it reaches a wider audience. You can see the original Spanish document here.

The Piros life project website that ran from 2014 to 2018 is here.

The document explores the critical role of large carnivores in maintaining ecological balance and the significant initiatives in Spain aimed at conserving and restoring populations of wolves, bears, and lynxes. Through detailed analysis of habitat preservation, conflict mitigation, and successful reintroduction projects, this translation offers valuable insights into the ongoing challenges and opportunities in large carnivore conservation.

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