Spain Lifts Wolf Hunting Ban in Northern Regions

Parliament's decision to allow controlled hunting reverses 2021 protections, sparking debate between farmers and conservationists.

• Spanish lawmakers voted to remove wolves' protected status north of the Douro River, allowing controlled hunting to resume within days.
• The legislative change was introduced through an amendment to a food waste law, backed by conservative and regional parties.
• Farmers supported the decision, citing annual livestock losses of 15,000 animals attributed to wolves and threats to agricultural livelihoods.
• Conservation groups criticized the move as a setback for biodiversity and accused lawmakers of undermining ecological preservation.
• The decision aligns with recent European trends, including the Bern Convention and European Commission downgrading wolf protection levels.

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The Guardian