Wolves in Brandenburg: Ministry dampens hopes of killing!

Wolves in Brandenburg: Ministry dampens hopes of killing!

The topic of wolf management is currently very popular in Brandenburg. For many, the question arises: What will happen next with the wolf population in the state? To better understand the situation, we have compiled the latest information.

As the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Consumer Protection reports, there are currently between 1,000 and 1,600 wolves in Brandenburg. But what does this mean for the future management of these wild animals? It is estimated that a removal of around a third of the stock could be necessary to keep it at a stable level. The ministry recommends taking particular care in active inventory management in the first two to three years in order to both limit the inventory and maintain its health. What is crucial is that, according to experts, the recommended withdrawal rate of 15% is seen as the most sensible means of maintaining balance. In contrast, the state hunting association's demand for a shooting quota of 500 wolves is considered unrealistic. These topics will also be discussed at the large Wolf Plenum in September, which attracts a lot of attention.

Challenges and solutions

Another challenge is the conservation status of the wolf population. While Brandenburg assumes a favorable situation, the situation of the wolf population at EU level was reported as “Unknown”. The federal government and the Conference of Environment Ministers have not yet been able to agree on a clear classification. State Secretary Gregor Beyer will therefore travel to Brussels to clarify future reports on the conservation status on an annual basis.

The public representation of the wolf population varies greatly, leading to confusion. Officially, the ministry estimates that there are between 1,000 and 2,000 animals circulating in the total population, although the more realistic number is probably between 1,500 and 1,600. The president of the state hunting association is calling for a shooting quota of 500 wolves per year in the future, but the ministry considers this unlikely.

The path to sustainable wolf management

An integrative wolf management plan that regulates the handling of the wolf is necessary to meet the challenges. BUND Brandenburg strives to ensure conflict-free coexistence between humans and wolves and emphasizes that the return of wolves can contribute to the health of the wild population. In order to reduce conflicts, appropriate protective measures and intensive education of the population are required. Monitoring the wolf population is of central importance in order to sustainably observe the wild animal population.

For livestock owners, financial support and advice on adapting animal husbandry are seen as essential. The wolf management plan also proposes to simplify damage compensation procedures while allocating funds in the state budget. Preventative measures, which can even be funded up to 100% by the federal government, are intended to address acute problems in advance.

The developments surrounding wolves in Brandenburg are not only important for the regional population, but also shape discussions about the treatment of nature and wild animals at the national level. Particular care is required to find the right balance between protecting these fascinating animals and protecting the interests of the people who live in their habitat.

Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops – it remains exciting!