Sweden's wolf cull ignites environmental backlash
In Sweden, the wolf hunting season has just begun, during which the culling of 30 wolves is planned. This decision is provoking protests from environmental organisations concerned about the future of the species.
On Thursday, 2 January, a controversial procedure started in Sweden. During this year's wolf hunt, there is a plan to cull 30 wolves from a population estimated at 375 animals. The goal is to reduce the number of these predators to 170.
The decision to drastically reduce the number of wolves has sparked protests from environmental organisations concerned about the future of the species.
The campaign continues
In the first hours of this year's season, the hunting magazine "Svensk Jakt" reported that seven wolves were hunted in the southwestern part of the country. The hunting season will last until 15 February; however, due to the high interest of hunters, the culling limit may be quickly reached.
Opinions are divided
Environmental organisations strongly criticise the authorities' decision to allow the culling of wolves. Beatrice Rindevall, the chairperson of the Swedish Nature Conservation Association Naturskyddsföreningen, emphasised in a statement: "The wolf population is already in a difficult situation due to illegal hunting and issues arising from inbreeding. Allowing hunting is a classic example of how not to deal with an endangered species, as it decreases its genetic diversity." Rindevall also expressed concerns about Sweden's international reputation as an environmentally conscious country.
The WWF echoes this sentiment. "In the long term, wolves are at risk of extinction, and Sweden's authorities face a process before the EU Court of Justice for violating EU regulations," highlighted Benny Gäfvert, a WWF representative.
However, the Swedish government holds a different view on the matter. It announced plans to first reduce the wolf population to 270 and ultimately to 170. Agriculture Minister Peter Kullgren argued that this is necessary due to the damage predators cause on livestock farms. Experts stress, however, that it is also crucial to take steps to strengthen the genetic pool of the Swedish wolf population.
Hunting is very popular in Sweden, not only among men but also women and youth. Around 300,000 people in the country have gun licences.
