regulation
The “always more” trap in wolf management
The wolf’s permanent return to Switzerland has profoundly altered the balance between biodiversity conservation, livestock farming, and land management. In just a few years, political, media, and public pressure surrounding the predator has intensified, leaving authorities facing ever-greater expectations for immediate results... but also unchanging results. That is, solutions that require no reassessment, that work, and that would potentially prevent any predator attacks.
Yet, behind the debates over hunting quotas, population numbers, or culling permits, a fundamental question is often avoided: what is the actual goal being pursued?
PART 2 - Wolf regulation, a scientific study...under institutional influence?
Continuation and conclusion of our article, in which we address the concrete problems that could compromise any rigorous scientific analysis.
A policy that misses the mark – understanding the errors of regulation in Switzerland - FIRST PART
The shooting of a female wolf, identified as F259 and wearing a GPS collar, is yet another mistake in a long series, which clearly shows that the way proactive regulation is currently being carried out in Switzerland is a failure in several respect. In this article, we choose to focus on an in-depth examination of the subject of regulation and the issues and abuses observed. We also provide information and possible concrete, official solutions that could lead to a better understanding of the overall situation.
Wolf management - The importance of ethology - Part 2
Second part and end of our article “The wolf management - The importance of ethology”. You will find out whether it was a wolf or a dog in the video below...
Wolf management - The importance of ethology - Part 1
After two phases of proactive regulation in Switzerland, we can already see certain problems emerging, which would require changes, adaptations or consideration. Indeed, the wolf management, an animal that lives in packs (family groupings) and whose activities and movements mainly take place at night, requires knowledge and the implementation of strict methods! It is vital to avoid, as far as possible, mistakes and creating imbalances in unrelated packs. The removal of members of breeding pairs when the cubs are still in the learning phase can represent a real danger, both for the survival of the cubs and for the consequences on the attacks on livestock. The risks are therefore high, both for the wolf and for the farmers. Today, we are therefore addressing the issue of training anyone authorized to shoot wolves during the control phases, which is just one aspect among many of the changes that will need to be made in the future.
ARSENE'S PACK - News
In Switzerland, as you already know, the first phase of proactive regulation took place between December 1, 2023 and January 31, 2024. The Arsene's pack, along with 11 others (including 6 in Valais), was targeted for complete elimination. At the same time, 6 packs were to be shot internally, in order to remove young wolves from the year 2023 or sub-adults. And 5 other packs were also targeted by reactive regulation shots, for exceeding the quota for losses on livestock. Overall, 23 packs out of 32-35 were shot at in 2023. The result is serious, with 61 wolves shot over the year as a whole, including 38 during the two months of proactive regulation, of which 27 in Valais. Two packs were totally decimated, and at least 7 others lost a member of their breeding pair (a male in each case).
The ABC's of wolf regulation - The effectiveness of protective measures
For over 28 years in Switzerland, the question of protection and its effectiveness has been at the center of debate. For some, it works; for others, it's totally ineffective. But how can we assess the effectiveness of official means of protection ? What are the factors that can affect the effectiveness of the protection ? Here are some explanations, in two parts, to help you better understand this eminently important and often misinterpreted subject.
The ABC's of wolf regulation - Proactive
We continue with the second part of our series of articles on wolf regulation. Let's talk about the brand new method of regulation, which came into force on December 1, 2023 in Switzerland under the new Ordinance, which is still in the "test" phase and will not officially come into force until February 2025. We explain what it consists of and the real effects on both : attacks on livestock and the wolf itself, the packs, the species etc.
The ABC's of wolf regulation - Reactive
In view of current events in Switzerland, we are forced to explain the possible consequences of shooting within the pack we are following, as well as the others concerned by proactive regulation. It is necessary to understand that two types of regulation are currently in place in Switzerland, due to the Ordinance in test phase: reactive and proactive. We take a look at these two methods and the effects that shooting could have over the coming months and potentially years.
Arsene's pack - Actual situation
In Switzerland, the wolf situation has just taken a turn for the worse, with the presentation of the new Ordinance in September 2023. Unfortunately, this new ordinance is not based on scientific hindsight or knowledge of the consequences of intra-species shooting, nor on the impact on livestock. It shows a very negative image of Swiss policy, which has sent shockwaves through the Swiss population and many official bodies and organizations, including in Europe and around the world. Our country, accustomed to setting an example in its management and pragmatism, has, thanks to a few politicians, given way to an undignified and shocking situation.