“EU ignores science - a worrying step backwards with no rhyme or reason!”
After the EU Parliament today voted by a majority in favor of an amendment to the Habitats Directive that lowers the protection status of the wolf, James Brückner, Head of the Wildlife Division at the German Animal Welfare Federation, comments:
“As of today, hunting wolves is once again possible in principle - a shocking, black day for species and nature conservation in Europe!
There is no scientific justification for this decision. According to the Habitats Directive, decisions must actually be made on a scientific basis. However, the analysis presented by the EU does not provide any evidence that would justify a downgrading of the protection status. All studies also show that a reduction in the wolf population alone does not lead to a reduction in predation on grazing animals. Furthermore, the species is still in an unfavorable conservation status in almost all biogeographical regions of the EU - including Germany.
It is extremely worrying that populist narratives, lobby interests and political calculations have now been able to undermine the facts to such an extent. Especially in the midst of the global biodiversity crisis, the EU should be guided more urgently than ever by prudence and expertise. Decades of hard-won successes for nature conservation are now at stake.
We are also very concerned that a line has been crossed today and that other species could be threatened by this backward-looking course.
We appeal to the EU Member States and the German government to focus on the long-term coexistence of grazing animals, wolves and humans in the interests of animal and species conservation, despite the amendment to the Directive. We are still obliged to ensure that our wolf populations achieve and maintain a favorable conservation status. A blanket cull of wolves is not the solution. Instead, neglected herd protection measures in particular must be made up for.”
