Between 20 and 25 wolves currently inhabit Wallonia, primarily concentrated in three locations within Liège Province’s Hautes-Fagnes and Eifel regions, as revealed by Walloon Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Anne-Catherine Dalcq on Monday.
This revelation comes amid ongoing discussions in the regional parliament about the management and conservation of these elusive predators.
Minister Dalcq emphasized that the regional strategy does not impose a numerical threshold for the presence of wolves that could be considered problematic.
“The current strategy is not to set a threshold beyond which the presence of the wolf becomes problematic,” she stated, indicating that the presence of these animals is being closely monitored without arbitrary limits.
Dalcq clarified that the damage attributed to wolves does not directly correlate to their population numbers.
“The damage caused in an area is not directly proportional to the number of wolves,” she noted, suggesting that management strategies are more effectively targeted at individual animals that exhibit problematic behaviors rather than being based on overall wolf numbers.
This approach aims to address specific incidents without resorting to measures that could jeopardize the entire wolf population.
In her response to parliamentary inquiries, the minister explained that the management efforts are deployed in a targeted manner, particularly towards isolated individuals that pose risks to livestock.
This is crucial in minimizing conflicts between wolves and farmers, as Dalcq indicated that incidents involving damage to livestock are often linked to solitary wolves rather than the pack itself.
Addressing concerns about livestock losses, Minister Dalcq assured that farmers are compensated in the event of damages caused by wolves.
“The principle is that the farmer gets the benefit of the doubt in compensation procedures,” she remarked, reinforcing the commitment to support farmers while balancing the need for wolf conservation.
Approximately thirty sheep and ten cattle are reported to be injured or killed annually, with some incidents possibly linked to stray dogs scavenging on livestock.
Despite the challenges posed by the presence of wolves, Dalcq emphasized the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.
She pointed out that “the wolf is still in an unfavorable situation in Wallonia,” and highlighted the recent decision by EU member states to lower the protection status of wolves.
However, she reassured that this change would not affect the existing measures or the overall strategy in Wallonia, stating firmly, “The wolf is, and remains, a protected species.”
The complex relationship between wolves and the agricultural community in Wallonia continues to evolve, with conservationists advocating for the protection of these apex predators while farmers seek solutions to safeguard their livestock.
As the dialogue unfolds, the Walloon government remains committed to finding a balance that fosters coexistence and supports both ecological and agricultural interests.
In a region marked by rich biodiversity, the future of the wolf population in Wallonia hangs in the balance as stakeholders navigate the intricacies of wildlife management and conservation.
The Walloon government’s approach, as articulated by Minister Dalcq, underscores the necessity of nuanced strategies that prioritize both the protection of wolves and the economic realities faced by farmers in the region.
