EU Parliament Moves to Alter Wolf Protection Status
Legislation seeks to lower wolves' protection level amid growing population and human-wildlife conflicts.
On Tuesday, the European Parliament voted to expedite the legislative process aimed at modifying the protection status of wolves under the Habitats Directive.
The proposed change seeks to align the EU's wolf protection level with that set by the Bern Convention, shifting the classification from 'strictly protected' to 'protected'.
European Members of Parliament (MEPs) are set to further deliberate and vote on the specifics of the proposal on Thursday.
The European Council endorsed the proposal from the European Commission without amendments.
Should the MEPs endorse the changes in their upcoming vote, the altered legislation would require only formal approval from the Council of Ministers to become effective.
According to the European Commission, the wolf population across Europe exceeds 20,000 individuals, with increasing numbers and range documented in various regions.
This growth is associated with significant conservation success.
However, it has simultaneously led to heightened conflicts with human activities, particularly in relation to livestock farming, as wolves have been known to pose threats to domestic animals in certain areas.
The proposed change seeks to align the EU's wolf protection level with that set by the Bern Convention, shifting the classification from 'strictly protected' to 'protected'.
European Members of Parliament (MEPs) are set to further deliberate and vote on the specifics of the proposal on Thursday.
The European Council endorsed the proposal from the European Commission without amendments.
Should the MEPs endorse the changes in their upcoming vote, the altered legislation would require only formal approval from the Council of Ministers to become effective.
According to the European Commission, the wolf population across Europe exceeds 20,000 individuals, with increasing numbers and range documented in various regions.
This growth is associated with significant conservation success.
However, it has simultaneously led to heightened conflicts with human activities, particularly in relation to livestock farming, as wolves have been known to pose threats to domestic animals in certain areas.
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