Sweden gives the green light to controversial threatened wolf hunting
Sweden recently gave the green light for professionals to go on the biggest wolf hunt in recent years, despite the fact that the species is endangered.
It is believed that before the hunt there were 460 wolves in Sweden, which favored forest areas between Gävleborg and Dalarna. Authorities in Sweden considered this a risk and gave permission for experienced hunters to kill 75 of the animals.
– Hunting is absolutely necessary to slow the growth of wolves, says Gunnar Glöersen, head of predators at the Swedish Hunters’ Association, to the local news magazine. SVT News.
“The wolf pack is the largest we’ve had in modern times.”
Followers of the wolf hunt claims to maintain balance and protect animals. They cite sheep and domestic dogs as susceptible to attack.
Sweden’s wolf tribe is in danger of being wiped out in the hunt
Conservation organizations in the country have tried to lift the wolf hunting mandate but have failed.
Groups used Berne Convention as their main argument. An international treaty adopted in 1979, aims to protect both wild animals and their habitats. Actions to do so are taken in the name of conservation.
“Wolves as top predators in the food chain are a prerequisite for biological diversity. Killing a quarter of the population through hunting has negative consequences for animals and nature, says Marie Stegard, chairman of the Swedish anti-hunting group. The hunting critics told guardian.
“It is catastrophic for the entire ecosystem. The wolves’ existence contributes to a richer animal and plant life. Human survival depends on healthy ecosystems.”
Is opinion changing about hunting in Sweden?
Wolf hunting has traditionally been an accepted and popular pastime in Swedenbut opinions seem to be shifting.
As a result of reduced acceptance for the destruction of wolves, the Swedish government takes measures. It has reportedly asked its Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to check its recommendations against allowable numbers of animal populations.
In the past, the EPA has stated that the wolf population should not drop below 300 for fear of irreparable species damage. However, this is challenged by the Swedish Parliament, which voted as a majority in favor reduce the number to 170.
On the other hand, conservationists want to see the 300 figures increase and claim that the Swedish people would support the move.
– There is a large majority of Swedes who like wolves, even where they live, said Stegard.
– In our opinion, the reason for these hunts is simply that there is a demand for shooting wolves among hunters. The hunting organizations have enormous power in Sweden.”