European Wolf Protections Downgraded, Allowing Easier Culling

Overview

• The Bern Convention voted to reduce the wolf's protection status, citing population recovery and increasing livestock conflicts across Europe.
• The decision allows for regulated culling of wolves under certain conditions, though EU law must still be amended before it takes effect in member states.
• Environmental groups criticized the move as politically driven and warned it could undermine decades of conservation efforts.
• Farmers and hunting advocates welcomed the change, arguing it provides necessary tools to address livestock losses caused by wolves, which reportedly kill over 65,000 animals annually in the EU.
• The new status will take effect in March 2025 unless a third of member states object, with further legislative steps required at the EU level to implement changes.