According to the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF), after being questioned by Lusa news agency, there were 22 reports of incidents involving wolves in the Mirandês Plateau during this period, in the municipalities of Vimioso, Miranda do Douro and Mogadouro, in the district of Bragança.
“In these incidents, some still in the process of being confirmed as to their attribution to wolves, 113 animals were affected, the vast majority (107) being sheep. In total, 83 animals died”.
According to the ICNF, “all damage caused by wolves is compensated whenever it is confirmed, through expert analysis, that the damage is effectively attributable to the species.”
“Wolf incidents in this area are not a new phenomenon; in fact, there has been a significant reduction in the last two decades. About 20 years ago, more than 300 losses were recorded annually in this area,” the ICNF indicated to Lusa.
According to officials from this public institute, “this number has drastically reduced due to several factors, namely the decrease in the number of sheep (the main species affected), the reduced regular presence of wolves, the strengthening of herd protection measures, particularly with the use of livestock protection dogs, among others,” they indicated in their response.
The ICNF also highlights that the Alcateia Program, with a budget of €3.3 million, is part of a set of actions aimed at reducing predation on livestock and mitigating the associated conflict.
“These actions include, among others, improving the compensation system for damage caused by wolves and promoting herd protection measures in the face of possible incidents,” they specified.
The same program also includes information and awareness initiatives on the importance of wolf conservation, valuing its presence culturally and economically.
“Among these initiatives, the efforts to involve and inform local communities and the promotion of recognition of the ecological and cultural importance of the species stand out,” highlighted the ICNF (Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests).
Worrying
The proximity of wolf attacks to villages is worrying sheep and goat farmers in this Transmontane region.
A group of shepherds from the Mirandese Plateau has already complained that the wolf attacks that have occurred since the beginning of the year are “a calamity” and are asking the Government to help solve this problem that causes “great losses”.
The shepherds from the municipalities of Miranda do Douro, Vimioso and Mogadouro stated that something has to be done, that they cannot continue to raise animals that contribute to the economy of this region, and are asking for help from the Ministries of Agriculture and Environment.
According to the shepherds, if nothing is done, they will resort to other measures.
According to ICNF, the Iberian wolf is listed as an endangered species in Portugal, which grants it Protected Species status.